America First Legal (AFL) has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court of Maryland, representing Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and 21 other state Attorneys General. The brief is part of the case PFLAG, Inc. v. Donald J. Trump, defending Executive Orders 14187 and 14168 issued by former President Trump. These orders aim to protect children from what AFL describes as "chemical and surgical mutilation" and defend against "gender ideology extremism."
The coalition's argument claims that the plaintiff's case lacks substantial scientific evidence and relies on standards from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). According to AFL, WPATH admits these standards were developed as a legal tool rather than an evidence-based standard. They also highlight that some authors of these standards did not participate in the evidence-review process.
AFL references a National Institutes of Health study which found no improvement in mental health outcomes from puberty blockers but notes that researchers withheld publication to avoid potential misuse of their findings.
The coalition urges the court to reject the plaintiff’s preliminary injunction request, allowing Trump's executive orders to remain effective in protecting children from irreversible procedures.
Ian Prior, Senior Advisor at America First Legal, stated: “President Trump has delivered on his promise to end taxpayer-funded chemical and surgical mutilation of children. We are proud to represent 22 states in support of the president’s lawful executive order and look forward to the day in the near future when this horrific practice is relegated to the dustbin of history.”