August 18, 2020 - San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the Eastern District Court in New York, in the case of Walker v. Azar (EDNY), enjoined the Department of Health and Human Services from implementing its anti-LGBTQ rule, which was slated to take effect tomorrow.  The House of Representatives participated in the case as amicus curiae in support of the plaintiffs:

“In the midst of a pandemic, the Trump Administration has executed a relentless assault on the health and well-being of our communities, working tirelessly to dismantle all of the Affordable Care Act’s life-saving protections for millions of Americans.  The Trump Administration’s discriminatory HHS rule, denying crucial health care benefits to LGBTQ Americans, is just the latest cruel attack in the Administration’s ongoing anti-health care agenda.  Today’s district court decision enjoining this dangerous rule is a victory for the LGBTQ community and the rule of law.

“The Court was unambiguous in its ruling that the Administration’s actions were in blatant violation of the Affordable Care Act’s protections and the Supreme Court’s recent Bostock decision, which affirmed that discrimination ‘on the basis of sex’ included sexual orientation and gender identity.  Further, in instituting its shameful, politically-motivated assault on the LGBTQ community, HHS acted ‘arbitrarily and capriciously.’ 

“LGBTQ Americans, particularly in the transgender community, have faced a long history of discrimination and inequality in access to health care.  House Democrats are proud to have fought for this important victory to ensure that all Americans can access the quality, affordable coverage that is their right.  We will continue to oppose the Administration’s outrageous attempts to undermine health care and sow fear and hatred in our communities as we work to build a brighter, healthier future for all Americans.”
Source: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi