43 Comments
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JanieJane's avatar

This just shows that the highest profile crime in Texas is being a transgender child. These people need to be voted out of office come on Texas.

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Erin Reed's avatar

Trans person or immigrant at this rate

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JanieJane's avatar

Right. Or pregnant person.

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Shayne's avatar

Once a Texas resident, always the property of Texas? Cannot think of a better way to absolutely and permanently dissuade potential employees of large companies from ever moving to Texas.

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Erin Reed's avatar

Appears to be what he's arguing

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mcvresearch's avatar

The hospital cannot turn over records without violating state law however the state can file charges against Paxton for threatening hospital workers in a state he has no jurisdiction in

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Erin Reed's avatar

I would really love to see something, anything, in terms of state pushback.

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Joel W. Crump's avatar

I have to believe that the WA state government will get in on this. This is one of the more ridiculous things I've seen in my life. I know TX culture can be like this, I've been there many times due to having family there, but Paxton can't just make up the law, particularly interstate law, WTF?

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Kayla's avatar

Of all people, Ken Paxton is the one that belongs in jail and he still very well may end up there. His securities fraud trial is set for April 15th so there's still hope he could be cell mates with our orange friend.

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Victoria Wright's avatar

So it turns out the Shield Laws weren't a 'hysterical' overreaction after all! The raging criminal sociopath that Texas put in charge of law enforcement is really going all out this month.

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Sandra's avatar

I’m no legal expert, but I would think that based on a number of things (patient confidentiality, interstate commerce laws, and most of all Washington’s own shield law) this is DOA and going nowhere. Still it is shocking and deeply upsetting that it is even being tried. Actually very little shocks me anymore, sadly. The extremism and hatred in the country right now almost knows no bounds.

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B. C. Skipalis's avatar

My fear with this is that the impetus for doing this is to force it to the Federal courts and then up to the U.S. Supreme Court, and with the current court makeup, I'm worried that Texas might win that case. I really hope not, though.

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Corin Goodwin's avatar

Obstacles include HIPAA laws, constitutional assignment of interstate commerce to the federal government, and jurisdictional standing. It's hard to believe we're living in a world where this is a real threat, not just political posturing.

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Elias W.'s avatar

I just left Texas because of the increasingly terrible laws they're putting out against trans people. Soon as the holidays are over, I'm getting my new driver's license so I can hopefully avoid more of this sort of thing. Paxton is a monster.

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Rachel's avatar

Legally, ethically, and morally, Seattle Children’s Hospital is obligated to (politely) tell AG Paxton to go fuck himself.

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Amalia Gladhart's avatar

It never feels right to "like" these reports--I wish there were a "thank you for sharing and highlighting this important information" button. As ever, I appreciate your work.

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GhostoftheWhiteRose's avatar

What the hell?! So, I guess the AG doesn't care about, oh, you know, HIPPA violations. The fact that they don't have any jurisdiction in other states but seem to think they do is highly disturbing. Did the AG just decide Texas is the federal govt now? SMH. Arrogant beyond belief.

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Daira-Emma Hopwood's avatar

> Did the AG just decide Texas is the federal govt now?

I mean, pretty much yes, considering what else is going on now with their racist/anti-immigrant border control posturing.

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GhostoftheWhiteRose's avatar

I agree!

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rc4797's avatar

WA should issue a warrant for Paxton's arrest.

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Fly Girl's avatar

Won't work. His wife will drive him away in the getaway car as soon as they show up.

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rc4797's avatar

His wife or his mistress? I guess that's the benefit of having both.

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Célia Vytrac's avatar

Fucking hell...

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Dave's avatar

I have found that it’s exhausting to be on the liberal side of pretty much everything in this country and around the world. I have always tried to be a positive person but with so many things that go against what I believe in, well I get very discouraged. I know that there are really good people who are trying to make things better, like you Erin, but I don’t know.

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TransFormAndFunction's avatar

.... so there’s actually a chance Texas could win, and be allowed to hunt down trans people and women who have fled to other states?

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Erin Reed's avatar

Prior to me publishing, there were two articles, both local.

Glad people are paying attention now. This is a huge deal.

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rc4797's avatar

You do a great job!

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Valerie's avatar

Thom Hartmann mentioned the great reporting you do to his listeners a week ago.

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