Georgia AG, 16 other states seek to have Section 504 declared unconstitutional

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, alongside 16 other state attorneys general, has initiated a lawsuit targeting Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, seeking its declaration as unconstitutional. This critical section safeguards individuals with disabilities from discrimination by any entity receiving federal funds, such as Medicaid. The lawsuit follows amendments by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, which acknowledged gender dysphoria as a disability, leading to concerns about the potential impacts of such a move.

Advocates like Kim Gibson from disABILITY Link assert that Section 504 is vital for providing equal access to services and educational accommodations for people with disabilities. The lawsuit's critics warn it could dismantle essential protections, thus threatening the rights of millions who benefit from these legal safeguards. As organizations like the Arc emphasize, the loss of Section 504 would not only affect education but also critical services in healthcare and independent living. The ramifications could be devastating for those who rely on federal funding to access necessary resources. With the stakes high, advocates are calling for the voices of disabled individuals to be heard and amplified in this pivotal legal battle.