A federal judge has granted Washington state's request for a preliminary injunction against President Trump's orders, which aimed to deny medical care to transgender youth. This decision follows an earlier temporary restraining order that halted the president's actions to withhold grants from institutions providing gender-affirming care and prioritize criminal actions against providers.
Judge Lauren King previously noted that the order "blatantly discriminated against trans youth" and was unlikely to "survive judicial scrutiny." She reaffirmed this position in her latest ruling.
Attorney General Nick Brown commented on the decision, stating, "The president’s disregard for the Constitution is obvious and intentional. But once again, states and the courts have stepped up to affirm the rule of law and the values that hold us together as a nation."
Washington is joined in its lawsuit by attorneys general from Minnesota, Oregon, and Colorado. Three doctors are also plaintiffs, representing themselves and their minor patients. The lawsuit argues that the order violates the 5th Amendment's equal protection guarantee by targeting transgender individuals.
The states further contend that Congress has already authorized funding for research and education at medical institutions in Washington state, which cannot be overridden by presidential orders. They also argue that medical practices in Washington are protected by the 10th Amendment.
In granting the preliminary injunction, the Court agreed with plaintiffs' claims regarding violations of equal protection and separation of powers. It warned against baseless threats to criminalize necessary gender-affirming care, emphasizing legal obligations for federal prosecutors.
The litigation is funded by Washington's Attorney General’s Civil Justice Operating Fund.