A federal judge in Texas has issued a temporary injunction to stall the implementation of President Barack Obama administration's policy designed to extend anti-discrimination protections under the ACA to transgender health and abortion-related services, reports Reuters.
Here are six things to know.
1. The injunction was granted Saturday by U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, one day before the new policy was slated to take effect.
2. By issuing the court order, the judge determined the policy violates the Administrative Procedure Act, a federal law governing rule-making practices, according to the report.
3. The judge also ruled that plaintiffs — Texas, seven other states and three Christian-affiliated healthcare groups — were likely to win in court on their claim that the new policy infringes on the rights of private healthcare providers under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, reports Reuters.
4. Initially, according to Judge O'Connor's opinion, the plaintiffs contended the new regulation would "require them to perform and provide insurance coverage for gender transitions and abortions, regardless of their contrary religious beliefs or medical judgment."
5. White House spokeswoman Katie Hill publicly denounced the ruling. "Today's decision is a setback, but hopefully a temporary one, since all Americans — regardless of their sex, gender identity or sexual orientation — should have access to quality, affordable healthcare free from discrimination," she said, according to the report.
6. President Obama's administration could seek to appeal the latest injunction.
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