AG Bonta led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s proposed changes that could incentivize recipients of HHS funding to comply with the Trump Administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies. The changes would, among other impacts, suggest that funding recipients are not required to protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity when preventing discrimination based on sex. In the letter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that in proposing these changes, HHS exceeded its legal authority; created confusion and unnecessary burdens for federal funding applicants and recipients; and did not adequately provide an opportunity for informed public feedback.

“This proposal by HHS is yet another bad-faith attack by the Trump Administration against transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. These changes would undermine laws that ensure fair and equal treatment for all Americans, not just LGBTQ+ individuals. HHS has overstepped its authority in an effort to threaten those seeking federal funding into complying with President Trump’s hateful agenda. We will fight to protect Americans from discrimination and ensure transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals can express themselves and prosper free from unfair treatment.” -AG Bonta