Judge temporarily blocks Texas AG from investigating nonprofit supporting transgender minors

The Texas Office of the Attorney General was blocked from demanding information and documents from PFLAG, a national nonprofit that supports the families of LGBTQ people, including transgender youths seeking gender-affirming care.

Travis County District Court Judge Amy Clark Meachum issued the temporary injunction Monday, writing that “immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or injury will result to PFLAG and its members” if the organization had to hand over information such as identities of members seeking gender-affirming care for minors, caregivers and patients to Paxton’s office.

The new order allows the half-century-old nonprofit to keep its information private.

“PFLAG families in Texas gained further protection today when the court reaffirmed that the Attorney General can’t two-step around the law with an outrageous demand for private information,” Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG, said in a statement.

The Texas Office of the Attorney General did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Feb. 9, PFLAG received civil demands from Paxton's office to turn over documents, communications and information related to its work providing support for families with transgender children.

Paxton's office said the demand for PFLAG documents was part of an effort to investigate medical providers offering gender-affirming care to minors despite Senate Bill 14, which banned treatment in the state.

PFLAG filed a lawsuit on Feb. 28 that asked for a temporary restraining order and relief to protect its members’ privacy following the investigation demands.

Paxton’s office responded to the lawsuit by saying it would hold the organization accountable.

“PFLAG’s information is highly relevant to the Attorney General’s investigations