Trump’s EO states that “it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.”

Brown argued at a Feb. 7 news conference that the EO was not only “disgusting,” but it was illegal for violating the Fifth and Tenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Brown also said that the EO “promotes harassment and discrimination against people that are already marginalized. It risks their literal health and safety, and that of their providers.”

Last year, nonprofit Do No Harm unveiled a database of gender reassignment procedures carried out nationwide, reporting that Seattle Children’s Hospital was among the top providers for procedures in the country. The Center Square also uncovered that the top surgical provider for underage gender reassignment surgeries had previously been fined $5 million by the AGO for deceptive business practices. 

Brown was joined by several individuals testifying in favor of youth gender reassignment procedures, with one person saying they “would rather die than go through male puberty” and that “this order will kill trans children if not stopped.”

Washington state has recently enacted numerous laws regarding underage gender reassignment procedures, including SB 5599 passed in 2023, which allows host homes and youth shelters to hide the whereabouts of children from their parents if the children claim to be seeking gender affirming care.

Washington state is joined in the lawsuit by Oregon and Minnesota, along with three unnamed physicians.