A judge in Texas has issued a temporary hold on Attorney General Ken Paxton’s attempt to obtain information from an LGBTQ+ organization about transgender minors receiving gender-affirming medical treatment.

Just one day after PFLAG National took legal action to prevent Paxton’s office from obtaining the data, the ruling was made.

Judge Maria Cantú Hexsel of the Travis County District Court stated in a ruling that sharing this information would have negative consequences for PFLAG and its members. These consequences include violating their freedoms of expression, assembly, and protection from unjust searches. Furthermore, the judge deemed it to be a severe breach of privacy.

The attorney general’s office was given the opportunity to present their argument against the continuation of Friday’s order at a hearing on March 25.

This court case is a result of a request by Paxton’s team in February for records and correspondence regarding PFLAG CEO Brian Bond’s statement to the court, in which he claimed that members were making alternate plans after the state implemented a comprehensive restriction on gender-affirming medical treatment for minors.

Paxton’s office stated on Thursday that the data is crucial for investigations into possible insurance fraud by medical providers trying to evade the ban.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who is handling FPLAG’s case in court, stated that they will strive for a permanent injunction against Paxton’s request. This will allow PFLAG to continue providing support to their Texas community and their transgender youth, like any caring parent would for their children.

In the past, PFLAG and Texas have had legal disputes, with one instance occurring in 2022. During this time, the state implemented a policy that involved investigating cases of gender-affirming care for minors as potential child abuse.