A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction requested by Minnesota to block executive orders issued by President Trump. These orders aimed to deny medical care to transgender youth. The injunction will remain in effect while the state pursues its lawsuit against these orders.
Attorney General Ellison stated, "It is unlawful and grossly immoral for Donald Trump to use the power of the federal government to target and bully kids just trying to be themselves and get the care they need." He emphasized that gender-affirming care is evidence-based, provided by trained professionals, and involves consultation with parents or guardians. Ellison expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to halt what he described as an illegal policy.
Minnesota was joined in this legal action by Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. The injunction applies only to these four states. The states argued that Trump's orders violate the 5th Amendment’s equal protection clause by discriminating against transgender individuals. They also contended that Congress has already authorized funding for relevant medical research and education, which cannot be overridden unilaterally by the president.
The court found that the plaintiffs are likely to prove that the executive orders violate both equal protection rights and separation of powers principles. Additionally, it warned against any attempts by federal authorities to criminalize gender-affirming care without valid grounds.
This ruling follows a previous temporary restraining order against withholding grants from institutions providing such care. Judge Lauren King had previously indicated that these executive orders "blatantly discriminated against trans youth" and were unlikely to withstand judicial scrutiny.