Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, alleging potential illegal activity in the provision of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Paxton, a staunch Republican, has previously labeled such care as “child abuse” and argued that it has no place in Texas. The investigation comes amid broader Republican efforts to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors in the state.
Gender-Affirming Care Under Scrutiny
Leading healthcare organizations have identified gender-affirming care as best medical practice for transgender individuals. However, Paxton’s investigation aims to determine whether such treatments have been unlawfully performed on minors in Texas. While the state’s laws do not currently ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth, Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott have sought to reclassify it as child abuse. In 2022, Paxton released a non-binding legal opinion to this effect, prompting Abbott to order investigations into families of transgender youth.
Resistance from LGBTQ+ Rights Activists
Efforts to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth have been met with fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ rights activists. A scheduled House vote on a proposed ban was delayed due to pushback from these groups. Texas advocates have spoken out against Republican lawmakers, including Abbott and Paxton, for their continued attempts to undermine transgender rights. In December, it was revealed that Paxton ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to compile a list of every transgender person in the state, including personal details such as driving license information. This move further emphasizes the aggressive stance taken by some Texas politicians against the LGBTQ+ community.
A Pattern of Anti-LGBTQ+ Actions
Paxton’s history of anti-LGBTQ+ actions extends beyond his efforts to restrict gender-affirming care. He has previously stated that he is “willing and able” to defend a gay sex ban in Texas, should it be challenged. Furthermore, Paxton declared a school’s Pride event “illegal,” arguing that staff members violated laws against teaching “human sexuality” without parental consent. He has also been known to deliberately misgender U.S. Assistant Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine on social media. The investigation into Dell Children’s Medical Center is the latest manifestation of Paxton’s ongoing campaign against LGBTQ+ rights in Texas.