Texas judge temporarily blocks directive to investigate parents of transgender children

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- Travis County, Texas, District Court Judge Amy Clark Meachum has granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the state from performing child abuse investigations of families seeking gender-affirming health care for their transgender children.

The temporary ruling comes after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate reports of gender-forming care as child abuse last week.

On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Texas families currently under investigation.

A hearing is set for next week for the judge to determine the validity of the order.

CNNWire contributed to this story.

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In an official White House statement, President Joe Biden responded to Gov. Abbott's directive by calling his efforts "cynical and dangerous."

"This is government overreach at its worst. Like so many anti-transgender attacks proliferating in states across the country, the Governor's actions callously threaten to harm children and their families just to score political points. These actions are terrifying many families in Texas and beyond. And they must stop," Biden wrote of Abbott directing state officials to open child abuse investigations into families of transgender kids.

In order to help the families in Texas who are affected by the order, Pres. Biden turns to his health and human services department to point out new steps to take.

"Today, the Department of Health and Human Services has announced several actions to keep transgender children in Texas and their families safe-putting the state of Texas on notice that their discriminatory actions put children's lives at risk. These announcements make clear that rather than weaponizing child protective services against loving families, child welfare agencies should instead expand access to gender-affirming care for transgender children. Respected medical organizations have said that access to gender-affirming care for transgender children can benefit mental health, lower suicide rates, and improve other health outcomes. Children, their parents, and their doctors should have the freedom to make the medical decisions that are best for each young person-without politicians getting the way," Biden added.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Biden added that he and First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden are standing with the families in Texas.

"Jill and I are standing with the incredibly brave transgender children, their parents, and families throughout Texas and around the country, and we will continue to fight for a future where all children can thrive."