Public Counsel is proud to stand in solidary with our trans and gender-expansive community to ensure their rights are not violated and the support they need is not threatened. That’s why we are joining A4TE and Wiley Rein LLP in filing an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court urging the court to uphold protections for trans youth and their families.
On December 7, 2026, the Supreme Court will hear a case that involves how trans youth can be supported during times in need. Specifically, a group of parents in International Partners for Ethical Care, Inc. v. Ferguson challenge Washington state’s statutory protections of access to safe shelters and mental health resources for youth.
Right now, many anti-trans laws are being pushed at all levels that ignore basic human development and further create harm for youth, such as increase in homelessness and negative mental health outcomes. Our brief clearly outlines the science and evidence about how all youth develop their gender identity and the factors that reduce family conflicts that may lead transgender youth to run away.
Reflecting on the importance of this case, our Senior Counsel, Tara Ford, stated that “the campaign to target transgender youth and their families, and to invite courts into the private medical decisions of young people and their families, has to end. These arguments are not supported by scientific research and they put the health and wellbeing of young people and their families in real danger.”
The amicus brief—filed on behalf of medical, psychology, and science professionals in support of Washington state—urges the court to affirm the Ninth Circuit ruling or dismiss the case to safeguard support that can be a lifeline to vulnerable trans youth, including shelter and counseling.
Public Counsel is proud to join A4TE, Wiley Rein LLP, and experts in science and medicine who are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of young people regardless of gender identity in the amicus brief.
To learn more and read the amicus brief, click here.
