Press Release: Gender Justice League Responds to Supreme Court Ruling in United States v. Skrmetti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 June 18, 2025

Seattle, WA — Today, the Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Skrmetti to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Gender Justice League condemns this decision, which greenlights state interference in scientifically proven and essential life-saving healthcare. However, the ruling is narrowly framed and does not strip transgender people in Washington State of fundamental federal or state protections.

While the Court upheld Tennessee’s law by applying a low standard of legal review (rational basis), it did not overturn or limit the protections established under Bostock v. Clayton County — the 2020 Supreme Court decision that held discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment is discrimination “because of sex” under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

“This ruling is dangerous and deeply unjust, but it does not erase the rights we’ve fought for and won here in Washington State,” said Danni Askini, Executive Director of Gender Justice League. “Transgender people remain protected under Washington State and federal employment law, and this decision does not create a nationwide ban on gender-affirming care. In Washington, our rights remain intact — and we must mobilize to protect them. We are urging all fair-minded Washingtonians to join us in defending trans youth by joining our campaign Washington Families for Freedom.”

As extremist attacks on trans youth spread across the country, Washingtonians have a critical role to play in protecting young people here at home.

Gender Justice League calls on the public to actively support Washington Families for Freedom, our statewide campaign to:

  • Protect student privacy and safety in schools
  • Defend access to play and school sports for trans and nonbinary youth
  • Stop copycat anti-trans ballot measures before they take root in our communities

“What this ruling shows is that we cannot rest on our laurels here in Washington State. The most powerful response we can offer is to build a future where trans youth are safe, affirmed, and free,” said Askini. “We’re asking every Washingtonian to stand with us by organizing, donating, and fighting back at the ballot box against attempts to attack trans youth in our very own state.”

Founded in 2012, Gender Justice League has been a key organization in moving transgender rights forward in the Pacific Northwest by expanding access to gender-affirming care, banning conversion therapy in Washington State, and launching a mutual aid program for victims of crimes and gender-based violence. 

“At Gender Justice League, we will continue to advocate for full access to gender-affirming care for people of all ages. We will resist all efforts to erase trans lives through discriminatory legislation, and we will defend every trans young person’s right to grow up with dignity, opportunity, and joy,” said Askini. 

Trans youth and their parents are not political pawns. They are our neighbors, classmates, siblings, and friends. We urge our Washingtonian neighbors to join us in this fight.

For more information or press inquiries, contact:
Danni Askini at danni@genderjusticeleague.org or 206-861-9259. 

For more information on Washington Families For Freedom: wafamiliesforfreedom.org