The sinister reason why the Texas Attorney General is demanding LGBTQ+ group members’ names
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In a recent turn of events, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has once again stirred controversy by demanding the personal information of LGBTQ+ groups, specifically targeting a queer rights organization. This move has sparked outrage and raised questions about the motives behind such requests.
The demand made by Paxton’s office on 9 February sought the names and addresses of activists associated with the LGBTQ+ organization, as outlined in a lawsuit filed by PFLAG National, the largest LGBTQ+ not-for-profit group in the US. The lawsuit, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, aims to block the unconstitutional and invasive request made by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
“This mean-spirited demand from the attorney general’s office is petty and invasive, which is why we want the court to put an end to it,” expressed PFLAG National chief executive Brian K Bond. The LGBTQ+ advocacy group has been at the forefront of providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals in Texas and beyond for over five decades.
Paxton’s office specifically demanded information related to the organization’s work with families having transgender adolescents across its 18 chapters in Texas. This move has been met with strong opposition from rights groups such as ACLU of Texas, Lambda Legal, and the Transgender Law Center, who argue that the attorney general’s office is overstepping its authority and attempting to interfere with separate lawsuits challenging anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the state.
“The latest attempt to punish organizations for opposing government overreach sets a dangerous precedent for all Texans who advocate on any issue,” warned ACLU Texas attorney Brian Klosterboer. He emphasized the vital role played by PFLAG National in supporting transgender youth and their families, especially in navigating medical decisions based on evidence and science rather than fear or politics.
This is not the first time Paxton has come under fire for his controversial demands regarding LGBTQ+ issues. In 2022, he requested the Department of Public Safety to compile a list of individuals who had changed their gender on department records in the past two years, a move that was met with criticism and deemed unachievable by DPS officials.
Furthermore, Paxton faced a lawsuit in December after his office demanded Seattle Children’s Hospital to provide documents of under-18s originally from Texas who had undergone gender-affirming treatment. The hospital condemned this demand as unconstitutional overreach, adding to the mounting legal challenges faced by Paxton.
In addition to these controversies, Paxton is set to appear in court in April to face felony securities fraud charges, nearly a decade after being indicted. If convicted, he could potentially face a lengthy prison sentence. Despite pleading not guilty, his legal troubles continue to escalate, raising concerns about his conduct as the attorney general of Texas.
The repeated attempts by Paxton to obtain sensitive information from LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals have sparked condemnation and legal battles, underscoring the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and protections in Texas. As the fight for equality and dignity continues, it remains crucial for advocates and allies to stand firm against any form of discrimination or harassment directed towards marginalized communities.
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