rights
A new law bars doctors from asking kids about gender. Allies say it'll harm children & clinics.
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 9, 2026
· 1 min read
Advocacy groups are criticizing a new Tennessee law, House Bill 1665, signed in April by Gov. Bill Lee (R), which prohibits doctors from asking minor patients questions about gender. The law takes effect in October. Advocacy groups say it's an “unnecessary” attack on the LGBTQ+ community and likely
Key takeaway Bill Lee (R), which prohibits doctors from asking minor patients questions about gender.
Why this matters
The new Tennessee law prohibiting doctors from asking minor patients about gender identity has significant implications for the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. By restricting physicians' ability to discuss gender with their young patients, the law may hinder the provision of developmentally appropriate and life-saving health services. This is particularly concerning for transgender, gender diverse, and intersex minors who rely on healthcare providers for support and guidance. The law's requirement that medical providers inform parents before asking sensitive questions may also lead to increased mental distress for minors who are rejected by their families or lack access to mental health resources outside of their doctor's office. As the Tennessee Equality Project and Human Rights Campaign have noted, there is no empirical evidence to support the law's claim that asking about gender identity is coercive or causative of transgender identity, raising questions about the law's true motivations and potential consequences.
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 9, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Advocacy groups are criticizing a new Tennessee law, House Bill 1665, signed in April by Gov. Bill Lee (R), which prohibits doctors from asking minor patients questions about gender. The law takes effect in October. Advocacy groups say it's an “unnecessary” attack on the LGBTQ+ community and likely
When was this published? This article was first published on June 9, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .