their children access to gender-affirming health care prescribed by their doctors, noting that Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a legal opinion terming gender-affirming care “child abuse.” Meachum has scheduled another hearing on March 11 to decide if a broader injunction against the investigations is necessary, beyond just the suit's plaintiffs.“We are relieved that—at least for now—the threat of a child abuse investigation is no longer hanging over the heads of the family members in this case,” Paul Castillo, Lambda Legal senior counsel, in a statement. “It is unconscionable for DFPS to still pursue any investigation or inflict more trauma and harm.
We look forward to continuing the fight for all Texas families.”The American Civil Liberties Union, its Texas affiliate, and Lambda Legal sued on Tuesday to block Texas officials from investigating parents.
However, such investigations have already started.Abbott's accusations of "child abuse" have drawn outrage from parents of transgender children, activists, businesses, and celebrities.
Texas legislators last year considered a bill to this effect, but it failed to pass.Some Texas prosecutors have already said they will not bring charges against parents.In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs include an employee of DFPS with a trans child, her husband, and the teen herself, all of whom are remaining anonymous, referred to as Jane, John, and Mary Doe.