The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is condemning the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision (PDF, 118 pages) in the United States v. Skrmetti case that will harm the rights of transgender youth to receive gender affirming care in this country.
“The Supreme Court’s decision today will irreparably harm transgender youth by allowing states to deny them the kind of care they need for their physical and mental well-being,” said Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, the UUA’s president. “As a part of our faith tradition, Unitarian Universalists embrace transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and gender diverse people. This is a central expression of our faith. We also believe that denying healthcare to the trans community is a moral violation. We send our love and care to all the trans youth and their families who are directly affected by this ruling, we will keep fighting for you. We will continue to work with and on behalf of the trans and nonbinary community to ensure that their dignity as human beings and rights are protected across this country.”
The case was based on a bill that the State of Tennessee passed in 2023 that would prevent young transgender people from receiving life-saving, gender affirming care. That law was challenged by transgender youths, their families, and health care professionals who argued that the legislation violates Constitutionally-guaranteed rights of equal protection. The Supreme Court’s decision today will allow states the right to regulate this kind of care for transgender and nonbinary young people.
Unitarian Universalists (UUs) believe that embracing transgender, nonbinary, intersex and gender diverse people is a fundamental expression of UU religious values. In 2024, an overwhelming majority – 92 percent – of UUs voted to approve a Business Resolution at General Assembly, the UUA’s annual meeting, which asserted this belief of the liberal denomination. Business Resolutions are one mechanism by which UUs express their religious beliefs, and once passed, require the UUA to implement as part of the Association’s work. This religious commitment remains fundamental to the UUA’s ministry and outreach, and the Association and its member congregations will continue to work closely with partners to advocate for these shared values in the months ahead, as the full implications of this case are understood.
“The imperative to care for those most at risk, especially due to systems of injustice, is one of our defining religious commitments throughout our UU history. These systems imperil the basic human right to experience freedom from discrimination in all areas of life, including healthcare, education, housing, employment, free expression, and beyond. Denial of medical care and basic human rights causes profound damage and trauma, and is a violation of our core religious principles. Securing these rights for LGBTQI+ people and communities, whose rights are now at risk, is essential for their lifelong development and thriving,” the resolution said. It highlighted that laws which restrict access to gender affirming experiences and health care for youth cause “painful impacts to social, intellectual and emotional wellbeing… [We must] protect and honor our transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive youth members and their families as they go through the stages of spiritual and personal identity.”
“Our religious tradition is a living one, and today we collectively declare that our covenant inescapably binds us to affirmation and protection of our transgender and intersex members and kindred, in faith and in practice.”
The Business Resolution Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values is available at the UUA’s website.