LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A federal appeals court will allow Kentucky's ban on gender-affirming care for minors to continue.

Several families of transgender children challenged Kentucky Senate Bill 150, arguing it was discriminatory, violates their constitutional rights and interferes with parental rights to seek established medical treatment for their children.

The Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 Thursday that the treatments, which include puberty blockers, were unproven and could harm children.

The dissenting judge said the law doesn't allow parents to make medical decisions for their children.

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said the ruling will protect kids.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kentucky called the decision "heartbreaking," and said it's considering what steps to take next.

The Kentucky law, enacted this year over the veto of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, prevents transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

At least 20 states have now enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Most of those states face lawsuits. A federal judge struck down Arkansas’ ban as unconstitutional. In other states, judges have issued disparate rulings on whether the laws can be enforced while the cases are being litigated.

In Kentucky, U.S. District Judge David Hale had initially blocked Kentucky from enforcing the ban. But he lifted that injunction July 14, after the Sixth Circuit issued its ruling in the Tennessee case.

This story may be updated.

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