The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Monday to allow it to enforce restrictions on gender-affirming care in federal prisons while litigation continues. The emergency appeal follows a ruling by Senior U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth that blocked the policy, and a divided D.C. Circuit panel left that order in place. Both sources agree on these basics.
The policy, adopted after an executive order directing that federal funds not be used to conform inmates' appearance to the opposite sex, would end gender-transition surgeries, hormone therapy, and social accommodations such as wigs and makeup, while continuing mental health therapy. SCOTUSblog adds that the Bureau of Prisons said it acted independently of the executive order, citing a 43-page memo and "latest scientific information," and expressing concerns about attacks and resentment. STAT/AP notes the bureau said in 2025 it was providing hormone therapy to more than 600 inmates.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the justices that Lamberth "substitute[d] its own policy judgment" for the bureau's and denied prison administrators deference. The inmates' lawyers, via the ACLU, say withholding necessary care is cruel and unusual punishment. Lamberth wrote that the bureau does not dispute that gender dysphoria can cause severe side effects including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
The Supreme Court has previously upheld state laws banning certain medical treatments for transgender youth and restricting transgender athletes in women's sports, and has allowed other Trump administration policies on transgender military service and passports to take effect. The emergency application asks the justices to freeze Lamberth's order while the lawsuit proceeds.