AG Bonta today co-led a coalition of 18 other attorneys general in submitting a comment letter on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’ proposed rule that would reverse HHS regulations concerning the definition of “disability” under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to exclude gender dysphoria. In the letter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that the proposed rule provides insufficient time for the public to submit comments, contradicts extensive legal precedent, and harms states’ abilities to protect their communities from discrimination.  

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ newly proposed rule is yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to dismantle legal protections for transgender Americans. HHS wants to ignore precedent from numerous federal courts and advance discriminatory policy changes while minimizing the public’s chance to respond. We will not stand by as President Trump works to undermine states’ abilities to protect their communities from discrimination. We will continue to fight to ensure transgender and other LGBTQ+ individuals can access crucial healthcare without facing discrimination or other unfair roadblocks.” – AG Bonta