Problem:
Washington state’s Senate Bill 5599 is a new law that allows shelters to take in children struggling with gender dysphoria and potentially provide them with life-altering “care” (potentially including sterilization) without parental consent or knowledge. The recently signed legislation creates a dangerous incentive for minors who disagree with their parents on “gender-affirming care” to run away to a shelter or host home. The new law takes away a requirement of notice to parents.
Action:
AFL has filed a lawsuit against the Governor of Washington, Jay Inslee, as well as the Attorney General, Robert Ferguson, and the Secretary of the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Ross Hunter, all in the official capacities. These government officials have implemented a program that violates the procedural due process and substantive due process rights of parents. The State of Washington cannot deny parents their parental rights to direct the upbringing of their children, including making medical decisions for their children, simply because a child has entered a shelter in the state and claimed to be transgender.
Result:
This case is currently being litigated.
