NY AG Takes on HHS in Transgender Discrimination Funding Suit

New York – In a bold move against federal overreach, New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for its unlawful threat to withhold billions in funding from states that refuse to discriminate against transgender individuals.

The contentious HHS policy mandates recipients of federal health, education, and research funds to comply with an executive order denying the existence of transgender people, imposing discriminatory definitions of sex. AG James argues this is a flagrant abuse of power, using federal dollars as leverage for state-level discrimination.

“The federal government’s attempt to force states to choose between funding and their values is unacceptable,” stated Attorney General James. “We are not about to sacrifice our residents’ dignity for dollars.”

The lawsuit claims that HHS overstepped its authority by tying federal funds to discriminatory mandates, violating state laws protecting transgender individuals. The policy’s vague conditions leave institutions in the dark about what actions could result in losing their funding.

With over $80 billion at stake in New York alone, the potential loss of critical health services, research, and educational programs is significant. The AG and coalition argue that this HHS directive poses a grave threat to healthcare, social services, and the well-being of vulnerable communities.

The lawsuit also asserts that the HHS policy infringes upon Congress’s power of the purse, violates federal law with retroactive conditions, and breaches the Administrative Procedure Act by making major policy changes without proper notice. It is a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to enforce discriminatory practices under the guise of public policy.

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