LGBT Activists Mobilize Against Trump’s Gender-Related Executive Orders
LGBT activists and groups are mobilizing to block gender-related executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, which aim to crack down on what he calls “gender ideology extremism.” The executive orders, signed in late January, include a reinstatement of the ban on transgender troops in the military, a ban on federal funding for sex changes for minors, and a directive requiring federal agencies to recognize only “two sexes,” male and female, in official standards of conduct.
The bans have been met with legal challenges from groups such as GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). One lawsuit, filed by six active-duty service members and two individuals attempting to enlist, challenges the military ban on equal protection grounds. The plaintiffs include a Sailor of the Year honoree, a Bronze Star recipient, and several who were awarded meritorious service medals.
Another lawsuit, filed by a transgender inmate receiving taxpayer-funded medical treatments, challenges Trump’s executive order that ends medical transgender treatments for federal prisoners. The inmate, who goes by “Maria Moe” in court documents, is claiming Trump and the Bureau of Prisons are violating the Fifth and Eighth amendments and is at imminent risk of losing access to the medical care she needs to treat her gender dysphoria.
U.S. District Judge George O’Toole in Boston temporarily blocked BOP officials from transferring “Maria Moe” to a men’s prison, allowing her to remain in the women’s prison general population and continue her transgender medical treatments.
The Trump administration has also faced pushback on other executive orders, including immigration-related policies. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against these orders, and more are expected in the coming weeks.
