Austin judge upholds ruling to block Texas from demanding trans kids records from PFLAG [View all]
Source: KERA/NPR
Published March 25, 2024 at 3:28 PM CDT
An Austin judge on Monday once again stopped the state from accessing information on trans youth from national LGBTQ+ organization PFLAG. Judge Amy Clark Meachum from Travis County’s 201st Civil District court granted the organization a temporary injunction against the Texas Attorney General’s Office and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Lambda Legal is one of the organizations representing PFLAG in court. Senior Counsel Paul Castillosaid he “did not anticipate a decision today from the bench,” but he’s thankful the court saw “the urgency of our requests for injunctive relief.” “It was important for PFLAG to convey just how disruptive these demands were to their mission, where they are providing a safe space and peer support,” he said.
PFLAG received a notice in February to turn over any documents involving “contingency plans and/or alternative avenues to maintain care” for trans youth, along with “recommendations, referrals and/or lists” of health providers treating trans youth.
The Office of the Attorney General of Texas (OAG) has sent inquiries to hospitals, clinics and other organizations to turn over any documentation on trans youth and their health services. Seattle Children’s Hospital sued the office in December 2023, writing in an affidavit that the hospital does not treat any Texas patients and the inquiry was a fear tactic to stop Texans from seeking care in other states.
Read more: https://www.keranews.org/news/2024-03-25/pflag-texas-trans-kids
