US judge blocks Florida ban on trans minor care in narrow ruling, says 'gender identity is real'

ron desantis

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law that bans transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Saying gender identity is real, a federal judge temporarily blocked portions of a new Florida law that bans transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers, ruling Tuesday that the state has no rational basis for denying patients treatment.

Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction, saying three transgender children can continue receiving treatment. The lawsuit challenges the law Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed shortly before he announced a run for president.