Mayor Gainey’s Statement Following SCOTUS to Uphold Tennessee Law

The City of Pittsburgh's gender-affirming care protections shield individuals seeking, providing, or receiving care from prosecution resulting from policy changes at the state or federal level by prohibiting the use of city resources or personnel to assist in investigations or proceedings. 

While any decision by a healthcare provider or hospital to discontinue gender-affirming care is troubling and demands reconsideration, it may fall outside the direct authority of the City to reverse. Nonetheless, the City, alongside local advocacy organizations, will actively explore all possible avenues to support affected individuals and challenge harmful policies wherever possible, such as the three separate amicus curiae briefs we have joined in cases where the rights of transgender people are at stake. 

I stand firmly opposed to these attacks on bodily autonomy and assert my commitment to upholding the rights of transgender individuals. Should any healthcare provider choose to continue or resume providing gender-affirming care, the City of Pittsburgh stands ready to protect those providers and their patients to the fullest extent of our ability. 

On top of this troubling decision from the Supreme Court, the Trump Administration has made the heartless decision to end funding of LGBTQ+ specific services in the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.  Stripping away support for this community is not just a poor policy decision – it is morally bankrupt.  These services have saved countless lives and are vital at a time in which LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing barriers in accessing healthcare.   

In the wake of the federal government’s failure to protect our most vulnerable, it is up to us as city leaders to fill in the gap.  We must be on the frontline of compassion and care in our communities so that every resident can access resources, support, and hope.  We cannot allow politics to come before people – especially those in need of support." ~Mayor Ed Gainey