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Montana judge blocks anti-trans birth certificate rule

Montana Assistant Solicitor General Katie Smithgall addresses the court during a hearing in state District Court on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in Billings, Mont., defending the state's adoption of a rule that made it harder for transgender people to change their birth certificate. District Court Judge Michael Moses said the rule violated an April court order. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

Montana Assistant Solicitor General Katie Smithgall, right at podium, addresses the court during a hearing in state District Court on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in Billings, Mont., defending the state's adoption of a rule that made it harder for transgender people to change their birth certificate. District Court Judge Michael Moses said the rule violated an April court order. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney Malita Picasso is seen after presenting arguments against a state rule that prevents transgender people from changing their birth certificates during a hearing in Montana District Court, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in Billings, Mont. A judge struck down the rule. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

Montana District Judge Michael Moses gestures during a court hearing over a state health department rule that prevents transgender people from changing their birth certificates, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, in Billings, Mont. Moses struck down the rule at the conclusion of the hearing. (AP Photos/Matthew Brown)

FILE - Demonstrators gather on the steps of the Montana State Capitol protesting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on March 15, 2021, in Helena, Mont. Montana health officials have made permanent a rule that blocks transgender people from changing their birth certificates even if they undergo gender-confirmation surgery. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP, File)

Montana judge blocks anti-trans birth certificate rule