Gregory Wayne Abbott (born November 13, 1957) is an American attorney who has served as the 48th governor of Texas since January 20, 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Abbott previously served as the 50th attorney general of Texas from 2002 to 2015. He is the third governor of any U.S. state to permanently use a wheelchair. He is also the first disabled governor in Texas history.
ACLU: Abbott, Paxton playing politics with trans youths’ lives
Gov. Greg Abbott, left, and Attorney General Ken Paxton As we noted here on Monday, Feb. 21. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that day released an opinion declaring gender-affirming medical care for transgender children to be child abuse.
Not to be outdone, Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday, Feb. 22, directed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate these practices.
The ACLU of Texas today (Wednesday, Feb. 23z) released a statement today reminding everyone that Paxton’s opinion is not legally binding, and that “it remains up to the courts to interpret Texas laws and the Constitution.
Moreover, DFPS cannot remove any child from their parents or guardians without a court order. “No court here in Texas or anywhere in the country has ever found that gender-affirming care can be considered child abuse,” the ACLU statement continues. “The opinion released by Paxton cites highly partisan, outdated and inaccurate information that ignores the consensus of every major medical association and the evidence-based and peer-reviewed standards of care.” Adri Pérez, policy and advocacy strategist with ACLU of Texas, said, “Gender-affirming care saved my life.
