REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer has signed an executive order aimed at protecting access to gender-affirming care in the state.
Executive Order #11, announced Wednesday, directs state agencies not to impose penalties on patients or providers involved in gender-affirming care that is legal in Delaware.
Officials say the order comes after months of public pressure from LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups, including the ACLU of Delaware, which said it delivered messages from more than 1,400 residents supporting the measure.
“In Delaware, we reject discrimination in all forms, value the LGBTQ+ community, and will safeguard their rights,” the order states.
The order also follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
The order makes exceptions in cases where state or federal law or court orders require otherwise.
Advocates welcomed the move but said more action is needed. The Delaware Democratic Party PRIDE Caucus called on leaders at all levels of government to “speak out and step up.”
Lawmakers are also considering House Bill 145, which would ban the use of reverse warrants to target individuals based on search history or location data. Supporters say the tactic has been used to identify people seeking gender-affirming or reproductive health care.