Federal Judges Block Trump’s Order Limiting Gender-Affirming Care
In a significant development, two federal judges have temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s executive order that aimed to restrict federal support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This intervention comes amid growing legal challenges to the directive, which has sparked widespread concern among advocates and healthcare providers.
On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King issued a temporary restraining order against the executive order following a lawsuit filed by the Democratic attorneys general of Washington state, Oregon, and Minnesota. The legal action, supported by three doctors, was lodged in the Western District of Washington.
This decision closely followed a similar ruling by Judge Brendan Hurson in Baltimore, who also temporarily blocked the order in response to another lawsuit representing families with transgender or nonbinary children. Hurson’s restraining order is set for 14 days, with the possibility of extension, effectively pausing Trump’s directive while the legal proceedings continue.
President Trump had signed the executive order the previous month, which aimed to cease federal funding for institutions providing gender-affirming care and directed federally managed insurance programs, such as Medicaid and TRICARE, to exclude coverage for such care. The order also encouraged the Department of Justice to pursue litigation and legislation against gender-affirming practices.
While some state Medicaid programs cover gender-affirming care, the executive order raised concerns about its continuation, particularly targeting hospitals and universities that receive federal funds. The attorneys general involved in the Seattle lawsuit argue that the order violates equal rights protections and the principles of separation of powers and states’ rights.
The Trump administration, however, contested these allegations in court, stating, “The President’s authority to direct subordinate agencies to implement his agenda, subject to those agencies’ own statutory authorities, is well established,” as noted by Justice Department attorneys.
The Seattle courthouse witnessed a significant turnout, with attendees holding signs such as “Protect Trans Kids” and displaying Pride flags. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown emphasized the ruling’s importance, stating, “We had over 100 declarants submit their personal stories about the impact of this illegal and unconstitutional and hateful order, and their bravery allowed for justice to be done today.”
Medical student Natalie Koconis expressed relief, highlighting the impact of the executive order on healthcare providers’ ability to treat transgender youth. She remarked, “All we want is just everybody to get the care that they need and deserve.”
The temporary restraining order is an initial step, but Brown hopes it reassures healthcare providers about continuing to offer gender-affirming care. Meanwhile, other executive orders signed by Trump addressing transgender military service, education on gender, and transgender athletes have also faced legal challenges.
As transgender rights continue to be a contentious issue, at least 26 states have enacted laws to restrict or ban gender-affirming care for minors. The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to rule on the constitutionality of such bans, including one in Tennessee.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
