A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked the transfer of a transgender woman from a women’s prison to a men’s facility, pausing the enforcement of a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge George O’Toole, prevents officials from relocating the inmate and ensures her continued access to gender-affirming medical care.
The inmate, identified in court documents as Maria Moe, filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s order, which mandates the federal government recognize only two biological sexes, house transgender women in men’s prisons, and eliminate funding for gender-affirming healthcare for incarcerated individuals. The lawsuit, initially sealed, was made public during a Thursday hearing.
Moe’s legal team argued that her transfer would expose her to severe risks, including violence and sexual assault. They also contended that the executive order violates constitutional protections against discrimination and cruel and unusual punishment.
Judge O’Toole’s ruling marks one of the first legal challenges to Trump’s policies targeting transgender rights since his return to office. Meanwhile, three additional transgender women in federal custody filed a separate lawsuit in Washington, D.C., contesting the same policy.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston declined to comment on the case, while Moe’s lawyers emphasized the urgency of protecting their client’s rights and safety. The court is expected to consider whether the temporary order should be extended into a preliminary injunction as the case proceeds.
