Federal judge deems Florida’s policy on transgender health care discriminatory towards state employees

A recent ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker has found that Florida’s ban on transgender health care for state employees is discriminatory and a violation of their civil rights. The ban, which denies coverage for medically necessary treatments for gender dysphoria, was determined to be in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act protects individuals from employment discrimination based on various factors including sex.

The lawsuit challenging the ban was initiated in 2020 by three current and former state employees against the Florida Department of Management Services. These employees contested the denial of essential treatment for their gender dysphoria due to the state’s exclusion of coverage for gender reassignment services. Represented by Southern Legal Counsel, the ACLU of Florida, and Legal Services of Greater Miami, the plaintiffs argued against the unequal treatment faced by transgender state employees.

Attorney Simone Chriss from Southern Legal Counsel expressed gratitude towards the court for holding the state accountable for its discriminatory policy. The court recognized that denying health benefits based on sex effectively limits employment opportunities for individuals. Judge Walker emphasized that medical treatment, including for gender dysphoria, should be based on individual needs rather than blanket exclusions.

A trial will be scheduled to determine the damages owed to the plaintiffs. Neither the Florida Department of Management Services nor the governor’s office have responded yet to requests for comment on the lawsuit.