An Ohio judge who refused to change the names of a transgender won a victory in court Wednesday when a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought against him by three families of transgender teens.
The suit alleged that Warren County Probate Judge Joseph Kirby demonstrated a “pattern and practice” of not changing the names of teenagers who believed their biological sex did not match their gender identity.
The suit originated with Stephanie Whitaker, whose 15-year-old appeared before Judge Kirby in June. Whitaker’s child, who goes by the name Elliot, sought to make the change legal, Kirby questioned him extensively and denied the request. Kirby’s questioning veered into issues of which bathroom he used and the effect of Caitlyn Jenner’s transition on society.
Kirby ultimately denied Elliot’s request and told him to come back before the court when he is 18. Whitaker is concerned the three-year delay could open Elliot up to bullying.
Two other families joined Whitaker in the suit. Jennifer Saul sued Kirby before her son James’ August 14thhearing to authorize his name change. A Jane Doe also sued Kirby but did so without a case pending before him. She said she filed suit because he will deny her child’s name change.
U.S. District Judge William O. Bertelsmantossed out the case against Kirby. He did so not because he agreed with Kirby’s…
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