On Monday, an arm of the Human Rights Campaign launched a class-action lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s ban on gender-affirming care coverage in federal workers’ health insurance plans. The lawsuit alleges that the ban violates the federal prohibition on sex discrimination in the workplace.
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson stated, “Our message to the Trump administration is simple: We’ll see you in court.” She added, “Healthcare access should never be weaponized to advance discrimination — and the denial of coverage for critical healthcare based simply on who you are blatantly violates the rights of all of us.”
Earlier this year, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which manages health plans for federal employees, announced it was eliminating coverage for chemical and surgical interventions aimed at modifying a person’s sex traits. This policy change is part of President Trump’s Day 1 executive order targeting what his administration calls “gender ideology.” The administration has also sought to restrict medical interventions for transgender inmates, cut off federal grants, and ban transgender troops from military service.
The lawsuit argues that the ban violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees “because of” sex. This claim is supported by the 2020 Supreme Court ruling that companies cannot fire someone solely for being transgender.
The Human Rights Campaign is pursuing legal action after filing complaints earlier this year with a federal agency responsible for investigating workplace discrimination.
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