KUAR | By Josie Lenora
The first lawsuit to be heard in the U.S. challenging a state law banning gender-affirming health care for minors is being heard in Arkansas. The federal lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the families of four transgender children.
After three days of testimony from witnesses called by attorneys for the plaintiffs earlier in the week, the plaintiff rested on Wednesday. The trial was not in session on Thursday because attorneys for the state said they were not ready to begin presenting their case then.
The first two witnesses for the defense were called Friday. Licensed Professional Counselor Cathy Campbell and Dr. Stephanie Ho had been subpoenaed by the state. They testified without reporters or the public in the courtroom because they were to discuss confidential therapy notes and medical records of the four minors.
Michael Hibblen/KUAR News
The federal courthouse in Little Rock as seen on April 26, 2019. A lawsuit is challenging a law passed by the legislature banning gender-affirming health care for transgender minors.
