A national LGBTQ+ advocacy group is currently in a legal battle with the Texas Attorney General's office over demands for information regarding its support of transgender children receiving gender-confirming medical care. PFLAG National has filed a lawsuit against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton's office, citing requests for 'documents and communications' related to a sworn statement provided by the group's CEO last year.
The statement in question outlined contingency plans made by PFLAG members in response to the state's transgender youth medical care ban, signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott. The lawsuit alleges that the attorney general's office is attempting to identify Texas families seeking gender-affirming care for their transgender adolescents.
PFLAG is seeking a court order to block Paxton's request, labeling it as 'petty and invasive.' This legal dispute is not the first between PFLAG and Texas, as the state previously investigated families of transgender children receiving gender-affirming care as child abuse cases.
The attorney general's office is using a state consumer protection law to justify its information requests, despite PFLAG not offering gender-affirming services. Paxton claims that PFLAG possesses information about potential violations of the law, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting children from what it deems as harmful medical interventions.
Texas is among the 23 states that have implemented bans on gender-affirming care for minors, forcing individuals under 18 to seek treatment in other states or cease therapy altogether. The lawsuit by PFLAG asserts that Paxton's recent demands are a direct response to the group's advocacy for transgender youth.
In addition to PFLAG, Texas has also sought records from out-of-state health centers providing gender-affirming care. Seattle Children's Hospital and QueerMed have both received requests, with the latter refusing to comply, citing its non-engagement in treating Texas patients.
