Attorney General Ken Paxton continues his legal challenge against a rule from the Biden Administration that would classify "gender dysphoria" as a disability. This rule mandates that federal funding recipients allow bathroom, pronoun, and dress code usage based on "gender identity" rather than biological sex.
Paxton argues that the Biden Administration's rule could jeopardize federal funding for disabled Texans and reduce healthcare options for those on Medicaid if Texas does not comply. He contends this would be an unconstitutional application of the Rehabilitation Act.
The Attorney General stated, "This Biden-era rule, if allowed to move forward, would put those who are served by Medicaid, disability programs, and children in Texas schools at significant risk." He emphasized that the lawsuit aims to prevent the federal government from using the Rehabilitation Act to withdraw funding from Texas's disability programs or public-school funding over restroom policies.
The lawsuit is currently paused while awaiting further action from the Trump Administration regarding reconsideration of the rule. Paxton stressed that Texans should understand that the lawsuit seeks to protect existing protections under the Rehabilitation Act and prevent federal attempts to withdraw funding due to non-compliance with a "gender-identity" mandate.