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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The Guardian reported that Tennessee’s defense in the Supreme Court case US v. Skrmetti, which challenges the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, relies heavily on discredited testimony. Based on research by Accountable.US, the report reveals that Tennessee’s legal team has recruited so-called experts whose claims have been repeatedly dismissed by judges as biased, conspiratorial, or outside the bounds of accepted science.

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The Supreme Court case rests on what can only be described as junk science – unscientific, biased testimony from a small group of doctors who stand far outside of the medical mainstream. These so-called experts’ testimony have been discredited by courts already. It’s very telling that they can’t come up with anything better.”

Caroline Ciccone, president of Accountable.US and former deputy assistant secretary in the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Guardian article details that one of Tennessee’s key witnesses, Dr. Paul Hruz—whose testimony was first introduced in federal district court—admitted under oath in a separate case that he has never treated a transgender patient. Another witness, Dr. James Cantor, has faced judicial rebuke for his lack of expertise in treating transgender youth and reliance on misleading research. Both individuals were recruited by right-wing advocacy groups, including the Alliance Defending Freedom, which has spearheaded efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights nationwide.

Accountable.US also uncovered that Tennessee’s defense is bolstered by a flood of amicus briefs filed by anti-LGBTQ+ groups, including the Leonard Leo-funded Do No Harm and the American College of Pediatricians, a hate group known for promoting conversion therapy. These briefs, supported by organizations like the Alliance Defending Freedom and right-wing think tanks tied to Leo’s dark money network, reflect a coordinated effort to advance harmful policies and undermine transgender rights nationwide.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in US v. Skrmetti, the stakes could not be higher. This is the first time the Court will rule on state bans targeting gender-affirming care, potentially setting a precedent that could affect over 100,000 transgender youth across the country. Research consistently shows that such bans increase suicide risks and exacerbate mental health struggles for transgender youth, highlighting the life-and-death consequences of this case.

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