Sunday, 11 May 2025
America Age
  • Trending
  • World
  • Politics
  • Opinion
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Money
    • Crypto & NFTs
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion / Beauty
    • Art & Books
    • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Font ResizerAa
America AgeAmerica Age
Search
  • Trending
  • World
  • Politics
  • Opinion
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Money
    • Crypto & NFTs
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion / Beauty
    • Art & Books
    • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2024 America Age. All Rights Reserved.
America Age > Blog > World > Mixed Texas ruling allows trans youth parent investigations
World

Mixed Texas ruling allows trans youth parent investigations

Enspirers | Editorial Board
Share
Mixed Texas ruling allows trans youth parent investigations
SHARE

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court on Friday allowed the state to investigate parents of transgender youth for child abuse while also ruling in favor of one family that was among the first contacted by child welfare officials following an order by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

The court did not rule on the merits of the investigations — which were the first of its kind in the U.S. — only that lower courts in Texas overstepped by trying to block all cases from going forward.

The mixed ruling by Texas’ highest civil court, which is made up of nine elected Republican justices, comes at a moment when GOP lawmakers across the U.S. are accelerating efforts to impose restrictions on transgender rights. Both parties in the lawsuit called the decision a victory.

Lambda Legal, which helped bring the lawsuit against Texas on behalf of the parents of the 16-year-old girl, called the decision a win because it put the state’s investigation into their family on hold. Although the ruling does not prevent Texas from launching investigations into other families, the state would be foolish to do so now because those families could also seek an injunction, said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, counsel and health care strategist for Lambda Legal.

“It would be both futile and a complete waste of resources for them to do so,” Gonzalez-Pagan said.

Texas went farther than any state in February when Abbott issued a first-of-its-kind order that instructed child welfare officials to investigate reports of gender-confirming care for kids as abuse.

A judge in Austin put that order on hold after a lawsuit brought on behalf of the 16-year-old girl whose family said the state was already investigating their family. It was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal.

The lawsuit marked the first report of parents being investigated following Abbott’s directive and an earlier nonbinding legal opinion by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton labeling certain gender-confirming treatments as “child abuse.” The Texas Department of Family and Protective Service has said it opened nine investigations following the directive and opinion.

Brian Klosterboer, a staff attorney with the ACLU leading the case, said the court’s decision was “largely good news,” citing the relief for his clients as well as the finding that Paxton’s opinion and Abbott’s directive are nonbinding and do not have a legal effect. Klosterboer said the court’s decision clarifies that the governor does not have the authority to change Texas law and though the state’s family services agency can decide whether to investigate, it is up to the courts whether the agency can take action against any family reported under this directive.

“His directive is I think what caused the most harm because it created a lot of fear and panic across the state” Klosterboer said.

According to Klosterboer, Paxton’s office filed an appeal within minutes of the decision.

In a social media post following the ruling, Paxton said he had “just secured a win.” Abbott’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Across the country, Republicans have leaned into the debates over transgender rights as LGBTQ Americans have grown increasingly visible in society and pop culture.

In March, the Arizona Legislature passed bills to prohibit gender confirmation surgery for minors and ban transgender athletes from playing on girls sports teams, and Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed them.

Two other GOP governors, in Indiana and Utah, bucked their party and vetoed legislation to ban transgender players from girls sports.

In Texas, the groups bringing the lawsuit also represent a clinical psychologist who has said the governor’s directive forces her to choose between reporting clients to the state or losing her license and other penalties.

The governor’s directive and Paxton’s opinion go against the nation’s largest medical groups, including the American Medical Association, which have opposed Republican-backed restrictions on transgender people filed in statehouses nationwide.

____

A previous version of this story misspelled the name of Lambda Legal and Lambda Legal counsel Omar Gonzalez-Pagan.

Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Kenyan fighting FGM crowned world’s best nurse Kenyan fighting FGM crowned world’s best nurse
Next Article Macron suggested Ukraine give up some of its sovereignty to allow Putin to save face, says Zelensky Macron suggested Ukraine give up some of its sovereignty to allow Putin to save face, says Zelensky

Your Trusted Source for Accurate and Timely Updates!

Our commitment to accuracy, impartiality, and delivering breaking news as it happens has earned us the trust of a vast audience. Stay ahead with real-time updates on the latest events, trends.
FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
LinkedInFollow
MediumFollow
QuoraFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad image

Popular Posts

What does Putin want? Understanding Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine

For months, the world was left guessing about what Russian President Vladimir Putin was up…

By Enspirers | Editorial Board

Actual property is extra politically cut up than you suppose

Whether or not it’s refining your online business mannequin, mastering new applied sciences, or discovering…

By Enspirers | Editorial Board

Megan Fox Urged by Associates to Transfer On for Good From Poisonous MGK

Megan Fox's turbulent relationship with Machine Gun Kelly continues to lift considerations amongst her internal…

By Enspirers | Editorial Board

Tyreek Hill’s Current Publish About Chiefs Has Followers Speculating

(Picture by Adam Starvation/Getty Pictures)   Final season, the Miami Dolphins regarded like the most…

By Enspirers | Editorial Board

You Might Also Like

Ukraine prepared to satisfy Russia however provided that ceasefire agreed, says Zelenskyy
World

Ukraine prepared to satisfy Russia however provided that ceasefire agreed, says Zelenskyy

By Enspirers | Editorial Board
Ukraine prepared to satisfy Russia however provided that ceasefire agreed, says Zelenskyy
World

Ukraine warfare dwell: Zelenskyy welcomes Putin requires talks however says Russia should conform to ‘full, lasting, reliable’ ceasefire

By Enspirers | Editorial Board
After Blair’s bombshell, will Labour stick to or abandon internet zero?
World

After Blair’s bombshell, will Labour stick to or abandon internet zero?

By Enspirers | Editorial Board
Australia information reside: Jacinta Nampijinpa Worth confirms she is going to run for Liberal deputy, days after defecting from Nationals
World

Australia information reside: Jacinta Nampijinpa Worth confirms she is going to run for Liberal deputy, days after defecting from Nationals

By Enspirers | Editorial Board
America Age
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


America Age: Your instant connection to breaking stories and live updates. Stay informed with our real-time coverage across politics, tech, entertainment, and more. Your reliable source for 24/7 news.

Company
  • About Us
  • Newsroom Policies & Standards
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Careers
  • Media & Community Relations
  • WP Creative Group
  • Accessibility Statement
Contact Us
  • Contact Us
  • Contact Customer Care
  • Advertise
  • Licensing & Syndication
  • Request a Correction
  • Contact the Newsroom
  • Send a News Tip
  • Report a Vulnerability
Terms of Use
  • Digital Products Terms of Sale
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Settings
  • Submissions & Discussion Policy
  • RSS Terms of Service
  • Ad Choices
© 2024 America Age. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?