Trans teens, physicians sue Alabama over criminalization of doctors providing gender-affirming care

Days after an Alabama law prohibiting medical care for transgender youths was signed, a pair of families and two physicians filed a federal lawsuit to stop it.

The law makes it a felony for medical practicioners to provide gender-affirming care like hormone therapies to persons under 19 years old. Punishment includes up to ten years in prison.

It is expected to become enforceable on May 8.

Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, argues the law upholds Biblical standards of gender and traditional family values.

"I believe very strongly that if the good Lord made you a boy, you are a boy. And if He made you a girl, you are a girl," Gov. Ivey said upon signing the law.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, among the groups representing the transgender teens and the physicians, believes the law is unreasonable and oppressive. The law also denies necessary medical care for persons who need it.

Despite the Biblical messaging and family values stance, Gov. Kay Ivey is facing a primary election fight with more conservative politicians who deem her too liberal for Alabama. The law signals to her constituents that she is as conservative as someone can get.