Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a reminder to hospitals and federally-funded healthcare providers in the state about their obligations under California anti-discrimination laws. This comes amid confusion following President Trump's directive on freezing federal funding and his executive order concerning gender-affirming care.

Attorney General Bonta specifically addressed Children's Hospital Los Angeles, highlighting reports that the hospital is pausing hormonal therapies for patients under 19 and surgeries on minors. He emphasized, “California supports the rights of transgender youth to live their lives as their authentic selves,” and stressed that California law remains unchanged, requiring equal access to healthcare services.

The California Department of Justice is monitoring concerns related to recent federal actions that could impact gender-affirming care by restricting federal funds. On January 28, 2025, Attorney General Bonta joined 22 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against these federal efforts. A temporary restraining order was issued on January 31, 2025, preventing any action to pause or terminate such funding.

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicated its compliance with this court order, affirming that the restraining order applies to all federal funding awards or obligations. Federal agencies are instructed not to alter funding based on the OMB memo or recent executive orders.

Under California law, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act and Government Code section 11135, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited. Withholding services from transgender individuals while offering them to cisgender individuals constitutes discrimination.

Resources are available for transgender youth and the LGBTQ+ community through various California departments and programs. Individuals who believe their rights are being violated can file complaints with the California Attorney General’s Office or the California Civil Rights Department.

A copy of Attorney General Bonta's letter to Children's Hospital Los Angeles is publicly accessible.