Evidence to Action: Global Alliance files an Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Dismiss Challenge to Washington’s Laws Protecting Trans Youth in Shelters
The Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice with the assistance of Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) filed an amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court brief) in International Partners for Ethical Care, Inc (IPEC). v. Ferguson. The case was brought by a group of parents who sued over Washington state laws that govern how shelters support transgender youth who run away from home and may need referrals for mental health services. The brief urges the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm the Ninth Circuit ruling that the parents suing the state of Washington do not have standing to bring this lawsuit, and should have their case dismissed.
The brief informs the Court of research on identity formation in transgender youth, the positive outcomes associated with social transition and age-appropriate medical care, and the factors that reduce family conflict that lead transgender youth to run away. The brief documents the clearly established research that access to mental health services is critical for transgender youth and the presence of supportive caregivers improves family outcomes (e.g., reduces conflict, mitigates their risks to runaway from home, brings families closer together). The brief counter claims that are inconsistent with the scientific evidence (e.g., transgender children do not have a strong sense of who they are and laws that protect their access to treatment will ‘lure’ them to run away).
The brief was supported by additional medical professional associations and organizations including, The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists, The Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) and Physicians for Reproductive Health.
What is next?
- Oral arguments for the case are on December 7. You can watch them live Oral Arguments – Supreme Court of the United States
- SCOTUS’ decision will be shared once it becomes available in 2027.
- Stay tuned for more information on a special live conversation, hosted by the Global Alliance in our series focused on bridging the silos of policy, practice and research with an in depth look at this process and its impact.
Learn more about the case:
Check out A4TE’s Press Release