District court judge upholds North Dakota’s minor transgender ban

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - A South-Central District Court judge upheld North Dakota’s 2023 law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Judge Jackson Lofgren issued his findings on Wednesday, saying the legislature has always had the right to regulate and prohibit certain medical procedures.

“The court does not find that the Health Care Law implicates the right to personal autonomy and self-determination. Absent a fundamental or important substantive right, the law is subject to a rational basis standard of review, which the court has determined the Health Care Law satisfies,” Lofgren wrote.

His ruling also states that any minor receiving care prior to the law taking effect will still be allowed.

Groups against the law sued the state, arguing it violated the rights to equal p