Alabama nonprofit opposing gender-change treatments for minors fights DOJ subpoena for info on group

An Alabama nonprofit backing a state law against puberty blockers and sex hormones for minors has filed a motion in federal court to quash what it calls an "unprecedented" Justice Department subpoena asking for over five years of information about its legislative activities.

The Eagle Forum of Alabama, a conservative nonprofit, has worked since 2017 on the "Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act," which went into effect as law in May 2022.

The legislation made it a felony for physicians to perform sex-change surgeries, to administer or prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to minors.

The law also prohibits school personnel from withholding information from parents about their child's sexual identity.

The group, which filed a motion Wednesday to quash the subpoena, said the Justice Department's request "is broad, intrusive, and meant to harass."

The government asked for all extensive documents relating to the child protection bill, including "every note" and "all private communications" with anyone regarding the legislation, the organization stated.

Eagle Forum President Kristen Ullman said the subpoena has much larger implications.

"If the DOJ can weaponize a subpoena, any American can be unduly burdened and prevented from engaging in our democratic republic form of government. Freedom of speech and freedom of association will be squelched," she said. "If the Department of Justice doesn’t like your viewpoint it may target you next."