The Department of Justice's (DOJ) intervention in Alabama's prohibition on sex change procedures for transgender minors has led to Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services, Dr. Rachel Levine, being drawn into litigation.
This development comes after a judge recently mandated the transgender official to serve as a custodian in the case.
Alabama's Attorney General, Steve Marshall, is currently defending a lawsuit against an Alabama law that criminalizes the prescription of puberty blockers or hormones to transgender children for sex change purposes. The law stipulates a felony charge, with a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The DOJ sought to participate in the lawsuit against the Alabama law, which restricts sex changes for minors. This move has resulted in some federal officials becoming subject to discovery, a legal process in which parties present and request evidence before a trial.
Marshall subsequently requested Levine's records, asserting that she is a key advocate for sex changes in children with gender dysphoria within the federal government, particularly within the Health and Human Services Department.
In response, the DOJ attempted to block the request, proposing Levine's former subordinate for discovery and offering a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) response with unrelated search terms.
However, on November 17, a court ruled that Admiral Levines emails are relevant, given her status as a public official.
"We look forward to reviewing the documents HHS produces as we continue to defend Alabamas children," Alabama Attorney General Marshall told Fox News Digital, expressing satisfaction with the court's decision to require HHS to search Admiral Levines emails for documents relevant to Alabamas law defense.
The DOJ has declined to comment on the matter, and the HHS has not yet responded.
Marshall further noted that Levine has been a prominent voice in the federal government on transgender issues.
"Levine has been at the forefront of the Biden Administrations reckless promotion of sex-modification procedures for children," he stated. He also highlighted Levine's close association with organizations like WPATH, whose 'Standards of Care' endorse the use of sterilizing hormones and surgeries to 'treat' children suffering from gender dysphoria.
In August, Levine commended an Alaska gender clinic that advocated for revisionist views on biological sex, including the removal of the term 'mother' from K-12 science classes. The gender-inclusive biology curriculum, designed for science teachers, suggested "child-friendly definitions" of terms related to gender and sexuality.
In July, Levine argued that medical interventions such as hormone therapy could be necessary for children experiencing the "wrong puberty." In March, she expressed optimism that medically changing childrens genders will soon be normalized.
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