The evolving landscape of legal battles surrounding gender-affirming care for transgender minors has recently illuminated another significant player behind these efforts: Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society. Leo, who has already garnered attention for his influence over the current federal judiciary, is now linked to initiatives aimed at banning such medical care for trans youth.
According to a report by Above the Law, Leo’s involvement is financial and strategic. His Concord Fund has contributed $750,000 to Do No Harm, an advocacy group pushing for these bans. Moreover, Do No Harm has reportedly paid $231,185 to CRC Advisors, Leo’s consulting firm, for public affairs services.
Do No Harm’s legislative influence extends to crafting model laws that various states have utilized to introduce bans on gender-affirming care. These efforts align with the group’s additional goal to oppose diversification in the medical profession.
- Leo’s network, including CRC Advisors, has been scrutinized over financial transactions that watchdog groups argue may violate charitable giving rules. For example, millions of dollars have been funneled through nonprofits linked to Leo, prompting calls for an IRS investigation (Politico).
- Last year, the District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb launched an investigation into Leo’s nonprofit network, the details of which remain undisclosed (Politico).
Other notable financiers of Do No Harm include the Project on Fair Representation, linked to Edward Blum, and billionaire hedge fund CEO Joseph Edelman. Leo’s financial acumen has been questioned due to the significant contributions from unknown sources and the staggering $1.6 billion recently secured by his network, raising concerns about the influence of “dark money” in legal and political spheres.
The implications of Leo’s actions may soon come under the scrutiny of the highest court. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments regarding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care, a case that could potentially serve as a bellwether for similar legal battles across the nation. Legal professionals will be watching closely to see if the efforts of Leo’s intricate web of influence will stand up to judicial review.