by Zefferin LLamas
Federal and state officials respond to Abbot and Paxton
Recap
Two weeks ago, in a desperate move to rile up a conservative base and garner support for November’s gubernatorial election, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, guided by Attorney General Kenn Paxton, issued a (non-binding) directive to state agencies to investigate families who provide gender-affirming care to their children, defining this kind of care as child abuse. To use trans youth, who are already at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, as a tool to gain traction in an election year, is truly despicable; Yet, it has provided other Texas officials, as well as the federal government, an opportunity to stand up in support of trans youth.
Federal Response
In an official “guidance” statement issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), child welfare departments have an obligation to protect transgender youth, which includes access to gender-affirming care. Moreover, HHS has emphasized that healthcare providers are not required to disclose patients’ medical information, including information about gender-affirming care.
State and County Responses
Beto O’Rourke, who served in the US House of Representatives and who is running against Abbot in November’s election, is one of many Texas legislators who has been speaking out against this kind anti-trans legislation since 2021. Local district and county attorneys, as well as local and national equal rights groups, including the Human Rights Campaign and Texas Freedom Network, have also been pushing back.
At least five district attorneys’ offices have come together to issue public statements opposing Abbot and Paxton’s directive. Their stance is clear:
“This is part of a continued onslaught on personal freedoms. Elected officials should be protecting our most vulnerable. These two, instead, want to irrationally target and restrain children seeking medical assistance – and force caregivers to participate.”
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.
