Gender-affirming care case attorneys face Alabama federal judge over misconduct accusations

A federal judge inAlabama began hearings this week to determine if sanctions are warranted against several civil rights attorneys accused of attempting to influence court assignments in cases challenging the state’s ban on gender-affirming care fortransgender youth.

The hearings, overseen by U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke, appointed by former PresidentDonald Trump, are centered on accusations that 11 lawyers engaged in “judge-shopping” to avoid conservative judges likely to rule against them and theirLGBTQ+ clients. This group includes attorneys from prominent rights organizations such as theAmerican Civil Liberties Union, Reutersreports.

Related: Alabama Families Continue to Appeal to Block Transgender Care Ban

Burke’s inquiry follows a 2023 report from a three-judge panel, which claimed these attorneys tried to manipulate the judicial assignment process to have their cases heard by more liberal judges. The panel’s findings prompted the current judicial proceedings, which could lead to professional sanctions against the involved attorneys.

The legal drama began when Alabama passed alaw in 2022 restricting medical treatments for transgender minors. Immediately following the law’s enactment,two lawsuits were filed. These cases were initially assigned to Burke but were withdrawn by the attorneys after failing to reassign the case. A subsequent lawsuit also ended before Burke, intensifying scrutiny over the attorneys’ actions.

Trending stories

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

'White Lotus' star discusses sexuality & controversial incest storyline

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Jess King is here to help you live your happiest, healthiest life yet

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Pride journey Walla Walla: An LGBTQ+ wine, food, and adventure getaway

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Kelly Marie Tran says all of her roles are queer — including her latest in 'Control Freak'

Meet the cast of new lesbian dating show 'You Hauled'

Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey just hard launched her new girlfriend

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Meet the contestants of new lesbian dating show 'You Hauled'

Exclusive: Mike Maimone honors late husband Howard Bragman in new single “On My Way”

'White Lotus' incest plot sparks shock and Sean Cody comparisons

10 lesbian sports movies that are total game-changers

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Gerald Garth is determined to keep people of color happy and healthy through trying times

Katseye’s Lara Rajagopalan comes out, says she's 'half fruitcake'

'White Lotus' S3 E6 recap: We need to talk about the incest storyline

Does the leather community have a Nazi problem?

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

During Monday’s session, the first attorney to testify, Michael Shortnacy, refuted the judge-shopping claims, describing the legal team’s actions as a response to the challenging legal environment rather than a coordinated effort to undermine the judicial system, Reuters reports.

Burke reassured the courtroom that sanctions would only be considered for those directly involved in misconduct.

Alabama’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors makes it a felony for physicians to prescribe hormones or puberty blockers to individuals under 19. Burke initially blocked the law in 2022, ruling that it unconstitutionally interfered with parental rights. However, the 11th Circuit cited theU.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that overturned Roe v. Wade, in reinstating the law.

Republicans have routinely filed cases in districts that are favorable to their point of view, including the Northern District of Texas, where Judge Reed O’Connor often rules against the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

The hearings are expected to continue through the week.