Sat Feb 15 01:06:01 UTC 2025: ## Federal Judges Halt Trump’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth

**Seattle, WA – February 15, 2025** – Two federal judges have issued temporary restraining orders blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order that would end federal funding for gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King in Seattle granted the order following a lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota, along with three doctors. The lawsuit argues the order violates equal rights, separation of powers, and states’ rights. Separately, a federal judge in Baltimore, Judge Brendan Hurson, issued a similar 14-day temporary restraining order in response to a different lawsuit. Both judges were appointed by President Biden.

Trump’s executive order, signed last month, halts federal funding for institutions providing gender-affirming care and directs federal insurance programs, including Medicaid and TRICARE, to exclude coverage. The order also urges the Department of Justice to pursue legal action against such care.

The Trump administration argues the president has the authority to direct agencies to implement his agenda. However, the lawsuits contend the order infringes on states’ rights to regulate healthcare and violates equal protection guarantees.

This legal challenge is one of several facing the Trump administration regarding its recent policies targeting transgender rights. Other executive orders have addressed transgender individuals’ participation in sports, military service, and prison housing assignments. Legal battles are expected to continue as the administration pursues a more conservative stance on gender identity issues, mirroring similar legislative efforts in at least 26 states. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering a related case challenging a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors.

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