Texas officials again blocked from investigating families with trans children
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A district court on Friday night temporarily blocked Texas officials from investigating two families for child abuse if they seek gender-affirming care for their trans children.
Driving the news: The court granted a temporary injunction to block Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from investigating some families that are part of PFLAG National, an LGBTQ advocacy group that filed a lawsuit in June challenging a directive issued by Gov. Greg Abbott in February.
- The district court is considering a request for additional injunctive relief to protect other clients involved in the lawsuit.
- Last month, a court also blocked state officials from investigating other families in the case.
What they're saying: "The Court recognized yet again that being subjected to an unlawful and unwarranted investigation causes irreparable harm for these families who are doing nothing more than caring for and affirming their children and seeking the best course of care for them in consultation with their medical providers," according to a statement from the legal organizations that filed the lawsuit on behalf of PFLAG.
Catch up fast: In May, the Texas Supreme Court said that state agencies could but were not required to continue conducting child abuse investigations against the parents of trans children.
- There are currently multiple ongoing lawsuits challenging the directive.
Between the lines: Medical organizations have condemned Abbott's directive to restrict gender-affirming medical care, saying it could have a detrimental effect on the mental health of transgender youth.
What we're watching: Shortly after the court entered the injunction, Texas state officials appealed the decision.
Go deeper: Understanding Abbott's order on trans kids in Texas
