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.
Texas judge issues temporary order blocking the governor’s anti-trans directives
In a small step for LGBTQ+ rights in Texas, investigations into gender-affirming care for trans youth have been temporarily banned.
Over the last few weeks, Governor Greg Abbott has attacked the trans youth community with his harmful statements and directives.
On the evening of 11 March, District Judge Amy Clark Meachum implemented the statewide injunction. “The court finds sufficient cause to enter a temporary injunction,” she said.
The judge also informed the court that Abbott’s transphobic directives were “beyond the scope of his authority and unconstitutional.” In response to the ruling, Sam Ames, Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project, praised the judge but also said, “the fight is not over.” “The Trevor Project is relieved that the District Court of Travis County did the right thing and recognized the unlawfulness of the governor’s politically-motivated directive,” they said. “While we hope Texas families can rest easier tonight, this fight is not over. “We will keep fighting with a broad coalition of partners in Texas until the day these investigations are terminated for good, and every young person, no matter their gender identity, knows they are safe, supported, and loved just the way they are.” Paul Castillo, who serves as senior counsel at Lambda Legal, echoed similar sentiments to Ames. “We feel relieved and vindicated that the judge understood the magnitude and breadth of the harm that would have resulted if Texas’ child welfare agency –at the direction of the governor – were allowed to continue enforcing this lawless directive,” he said.
