Wood Buffalo Pride Logo, Web file
Judge blocks Alberta’s gender-affirming care ban for youth, citing “irreparable harm”
An Alberta judge has temporarily blocked a provincial law that would have banned doctors from providing gender-affirming care to youth under 16. Justice Allison Kuntz issued a written decision Friday granting a temporary injunction, stating the law risks causing “irreparable harm” to transgender youth and would reinforce existing discrimination against them.
The law, passed by Premier Danielle Smith’s government late last year but not yet fully in effect, would have barred physicians from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minors. Justice Kuntz ruled that withholding such care not only exposes youth to emotional trauma but also to permanent physical changes that conflict with their gender identity. The injunction halts implementation while the issue is argued in court.
The court decision followed legal action by 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy organizations Egale Canada and the Skipping Stone Foundation, joined by five transgender youth. The Canadian Medical Association and a group of Alberta doctors also launched a separate legal challenge.
Advocacy groups across the province have welcomed the ruling. “We’re so thrilled to see the Courts upholding human rights and protecting the health of trans people, especially trans youth, in this province,” said Mitchell Bowers, Executive Director of Wood Buffalo Pride.
The Alberta government says it will continue to defend the law and is considering its next steps. Premier Smith, speaking on her weekend radio show, said the province is prepared to appeal the decision and may consider using the notwithstanding clause.
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