A Texas judge issued a ruling to prevent the state attorney general from obtaining information about transgender youth from PFLAG, a renowned national nonprofit organization that offers assistance to LGBTQ families.
Travis County District Court Judge Amy Clark Meachum has issued a temporary injunction against the Texas Attorney General’s Office and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The injunction grants PFLAG the right to maintain the privacy of its information, aiming to prevent any immediate and irreparable harm to PFLAG and its members.
Brian Bond, CEO of PFLAG, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision to uphold the protection of PFLAG families in Texas. He emphasized that the attorney general’s attempt to obtain private information was unacceptable and a clear violation of the law.
PFLAG took legal action against Paxton’s office in response to a demand for documents on medical providers who offer gender-affirming care to minors in violation of Texas Senate Bill 14. The office sent notices to various healthcare organizations, including hospitals and clinics, requesting information on recommendations, referrals, and lists of healthcare providers who treat transgender youth.
The attorney general’s office has caused significant disruption to PFLAG’s chapters in Texas, according to Paul Castillo, senior counsel at Lambda Legal.
According to Castillo, membership and participation in meetings have declined due to the issuance of demands. He explains that there is a hesitance among parents and families to provide sign-in information for fear that the Office of the Attorney General is gathering data on trans and non-binary youth in Texas.
Paxton’s office has yet to respond to Tuesday’s injunction, but it had previously stated its intention to hold PFLAG accountable.
The Attorney General’s office stated that PFLAG’s information holds great significance in their investigations regarding potential insurance fraud by medical providers to bypass S.B. 14.
The trial to determine the merits of the case is set to take place on June 10th.
