A federal judge in Seattle has issued a temporary restraining order against an executive order from President Trump that aimed to end federal funding for medical institutions providing gender-affirming care. The executive order also called for criminal enforcement against medical professionals and patients involved in such care, which Attorney General Nick Brown described as "clearly illegal and unusually cruel."
Brown emphasized the importance of the ruling, stating, “Today’s order reaffirms that we live by the rule of law. Young people’s ability to receive life-saving gender-affirming medical care remains in place. Providers won’t be criminalized for providing the best care for their patients, and this order removes any hurdles from medical professional giving young people the care they need.”
The lawsuit challenging the executive order includes participation from the attorneys general of Minnesota and Oregon, as well as three individual doctors representing themselves and their minor patients. The plaintiffs argue that the order violates the 5th Amendment's equal protection guarantee by targeting transgender individuals.
The states contend that Congress has already authorized funding for research and education at medical institutions in Washington state, which cannot be overridden unilaterally by presidential action. They also argue that regulating or criminalizing medical practices falls under state jurisdiction as protected by the 10th Amendment.
Judge Lauren King supported these arguments, stating that the president’s order “blatantly discriminated against trans youth” in her decision to grant the temporary restraining order.
The Washington Attorney General's Office serves both state agencies and residents by enforcing various laws including consumer protection and civil rights statutes. More information about their work can be found on their website.