Attorneys general from Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon filed a lawsuit on Friday against the Trump administration, challenging an executive order that aims to restrict gender-affirming medical procedures for minors. The executive order, titled “Protecting Children From Chemical And Surgical Mutilation,” was signed in late January and seeks to ban what it refers to as “chemical and surgical” sex-change procedures for children under 18. Critics argue the order violates constitutional rights and endangers the well-being of transgender youth.
The executive order claims that medical professionals are causing harm by performing irreversible interventions on minors, describing these procedures as “maiming and sterilizing” children. It further labels the practice as a “dangerous trend” that the nation must end. However, Democratic officials and advocates for transgender rights quickly pushed back against the order, calling it discriminatory and harmful. In response, Attorneys General Nick Brown of Washington, Keith Ellison of Minnesota, and Dan Rayfield of Oregon filed a lawsuit, labeling the executive order as unconstitutional and overreaching.
“This is a cruel attack on transgender youth, their families, and the medical providers who care for them,” the lawsuit states. It argues that the order violates the Tenth Amendment by interfering with states’ rights to regulate medical practices and usurps Congress’s legislative powers. Attorneys general also contend that the order promotes bigotry, calling it a violation of fundamental rights and protections for transgender individuals.
At a Friday press conference, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown condemned the executive order as “hateful” and accused the Trump administration of endangering vulnerable communities. “This order is disgusting and promotes harassment against already marginalized individuals. We are taking swift action to stop the harm being done,” Brown said. He announced a request for a temporary restraining order to halt enforcement of the executive order, arguing that transgender youth and their health providers are facing immediate risks.
The case could set a significant precedent as arguments over federal versus state authority and transgender rights intensify nationwide. Advocates fear that restricting gender-affirming care could worsen mental health and safety outcomes for transgender minors.
With transgender issues becoming a growing focal point in U.S. policymaking, legal battles over gender-affirming care are likely to continue. The lawsuit against the Trump administration highlights the tension between federal directives and states’ rights, as well as the broader fight for LGBTQ+ protections.
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