Federal judge blocks anti-discrimination law in a setback for transgender and abortion rights

A federal judge in Texas issued an injunction to stop the enforcement of an Obama administration rule that would prohibit healthcare providers from discriminating against patients based on ‘gender identity’ or ‘termination of pregnancy.‘ The new rule was set to go into effect at the beginning of the year.

In his ruling, Judge Reed O’Connor argued the rule could force healthcare providers to act against their religious beliefs. He wrote it “places substantial pressure on “plaintiffs to perform and cover transition and abortion procedures.” Transgender activists argue that’s an unreasonable conclusion to draw since patients seek doctors with suitable experience and expertise rather than doctors who have no experience with transition procedures. The White House is defending the rule.

“[The] decision is a setback, but hopefully a temporary one, since all Americans — regardless of their sex, gender identity or sexual orientation — should have access to quality, affordable health care free from discrimination,” a White House spokesperson told BuzzFeed in a statement.

It’s not the first time in recent memory O’Connor has made a ruling that’s harmful to transgender people. About four months ago, he stopped the federal government from enforcing a policy that would make public schools allow students to use the bathroom that aligned with their gender identity. It’s clear he doesn’t have even a basic understanding of transgender issues though, so it’s pretty irresponsible of him to be making decisions that affect the safety and well being of transgender people all across the country.