A federal judge has temporarily blocked the State of Florida from pursuing a lawsuit against the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), delivering a significant legal setback to one of the latest efforts targeting organizations that support gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly of the Northern District of Illinois ruled that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier likely filed the lawsuit in bad faith and that the case appeared aimed at discouraging the AAP from exercising its First Amendment rights. The judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing Florida from moving forward with its case while broader litigation continues.
Florida originally sued the AAP, along with two other major medical organizations, alleging they misled the public about the safety and effectiveness of gender-affirming medical care for minors. State officials claimed the organizations engaged in deceptive practices by promoting treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
The AAP strongly denied those allegations and responded by filing its own lawsuit in Illinois. The organization argued that Florida’s legal action was designed to punish it for expressing medical opinions and advocating for standards of care supported by many major medical associations.
In his ruling, Judge Kennelly pointed to what he described as weaknesses in Florida’s claims and cited evidence suggesting political motivations behind the lawsuit. He specifically noted that state officials had allegedly misrepresented AAP policies while making public statements attacking the organization. According to the court, those actions supported an inference that the lawsuit was intended to suppress protected speech rather than address legitimate consumer protection concerns.
The decision comes amid a broader national campaign targeting gender-affirming healthcare. Over the past several years, numerous Republican-led states have enacted restrictions on care for transgender minors, while medical organizations, LGBTQ+ advocates, and affected families have challenged those policies in court.
The ruling also follows several recent judicial decisions pushing back against investigations and legal actions aimed at organizations and providers involved in transgender healthcare. Federal courts have increasingly scrutinized government efforts that critics argue are designed to intimidate medical providers and advocacy groups rather than address evidence-based concerns.
A more detailed hearing in the Illinois case is scheduled for June 8. Until then, Florida’s lawsuit remains on hold, and the legal battle over transgender healthcare, medical expertise, and free speech protections continues to play out in courts across the country.
