The Obama administration recently directed public schools to allow transgender students the ability to use facilities matching their gender identity, a policy that has provoked strong opposition. 13 dissenting states have filed suit against the policy, arguing that the federal government has overstepped its bounds, and Texas District Court Judge Reed O’Connor has ruled in favor of those states, blocking the order. While the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the order and eight other lawsuits are still pending, Judge O’Connor’s ruling will take effect immediately and nationwide.
CBC News quotes law professor Aaron Bruhl as noting that the U.S. Supreme Court may potentially address this issue in the near future, as “just one small part of an unfolding process.”