Texas judge blocks Attorney General’s bid for info on trans kids under gender-affirmation care
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In a recent development in Texas, Travis County District Court Judge Maria Cantú Hexsel has made the decision to temporarily block Attorney General Ken Paxton’s request for information on transgender children undergoing gender-affirmation treatment. This ruling came after Paxton, a Republican, sought “documents and communications” from an LGBTQ+ advocacy group regarding trans minors receiving gender-affirmation care.
The LGBTQ+ advocacy group, PFLAG National, challenged Paxton’s request in court, citing it as a “gross invasion” of privacy. Judge Hexsel sided with PFLAG National, stating that complying with the request would harm the organization and its members in multiple ways. She also deemed it a violation of their freedom of speech, association, and protection from unreasonable searches.
A hearing has been scheduled for 25th March to allow Paxton’s office to present arguments as to why the temporary order should not be upheld. Last month, Paxton’s office requested documents related to PFLAG CEO Brian Bond’s statement to court from the previous year. In the statement, Bond outlined the organization’s contingency plans following the state’s ban on gender-affirmation treatment for minors.
Paxton’s office justified its request by stating that the information is relevant to investigations into potential insurance fraud by medical providers continuing to offer gender-affirmation treatment. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), representing PFLAG in court, is now seeking a permanent block on Paxton’s request to ensure that PFLAG can continue supporting its Texas members with transgender youth.
The ban on gender-affirmation care for children went into effect on 1st September in Texas after being temporarily blocked by Judge Hexsel at the state’s Supreme Court. This ban prohibits transgender youth from accessing puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy following the Attorney General’s office’s efforts to block the judge’s temporary injunction against Senate Bill 14.
In her ruling, Judge Hexsel expressed concerns that the bill interferes with Texas families’ private decisions and strips parents of their right to seek and provide medical care for their children. The Attorney General’s office filed an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court, which automatically paused the injunction and allowed the law to take effect in September.
The ongoing legal battle underscores the contentious issue of gender-affirmation treatment for transgender minors in Texas. Advocates argue that such treatment is crucial for the well-being of transgender youth, while opponents raise concerns about the appropriateness and safety of these interventions.
As the case continues to unfold in court, the rights and healthcare access of transgender children hang in the balance. The outcome of this legal dispute will have far-reaching implications for transgender individuals and their families in Texas and beyond. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
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