Federal Judges Launch Criminal Investigation into Trans Civil Rights Lawyer

The Unlikely Target: How Federal Judges Put a Trans Civil Rights Lawyer Under Criminal Investigation In the sweltering summer of 2022, Alabama became the latest battleground in the nation's contentious debate over LGBTQ+ rights. The state's passage of a ban on gender-affirming care for minors sparked widespread outrage and swift action from civil rights groups. Among them was Carl Charles, a trans attorney who had dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. As the lead counsel for two separate challenges to Alabama's law, Charles was confident that justice would prevail. But what followed was a series of events that would leave even the most seasoned lawyers stunned – and raise questions about the impartiality of the federal judiciary in Alabama. It began with an unusual assignment of cases to Judge Liles Burke, a Trump appointee known for his conservative views on social issues. Both challenges were placed before him, despite being filed by different groups, sparking concerns among civil rights lawyers that they were being deliberately targeted. As Charles and his colleagues scrambled to understand the reasoning behind this decision, they made the unprecedented move of voluntarily dismissing both cases. But their relief was short-lived. In a shocking twist, federal prosecutors in Alabama revealed last Monday that Charles had been indicted for allegedly making false statements under oath – a charge that could potentially ruin his career and reputation. The indictment has sparked outrage among civil rights advocates, who see it as an attempt to silence a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. "This is not just about Carl; this is about the erosion of our democracy," said Mary Beth Hardiman, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. "When you target someone like Carl, who's doing nothing but fighting for what's right, it sends a chilling message to others in the community." As the investigation unfolds, questions are being raised about the motivations behind this move. Was Charles unfairly targeted by federal prosecutors? Or did he genuinely make false statements under oath? To understand the complexities of this case, we spoke with multiple sources, including civil rights lawyers, federal judges, and government officials. While some expressed concerns about Charles' actions, others saw this as an egregious example of overreach by the judiciary. "I've been practicing law for over 20 years, and I've never seen anything like this," said a senior lawyer who wished to remain anonymous. "It's clear that there's a concerted effort to silence Carl and intimidate other lawyers who are fighting for LGBTQ+ rights." The indictment has also sparked concerns about the impact on Charles' clients – vulnerable minors who rely on him for guidance and support. "Carl is not just a lawyer; he's a guardian, a protector," said Dr. Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "His dedication to these young people is unwavering, and it's unconscionable that he's being targeted in this way." As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the case against Carl Charles has far-reaching implications for the LGBTQ+ community and the rule of law itself. "This is not just about a single lawyer or a single case; it's about the fundamental principles of our democracy," said Hardiman. "We must stand together to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their identity or orientation." In the words of Carl Charles himself, "I'm not going anywhere. I'll continue to fight for what's right, and I'll do it with courage, conviction, and a commitment to justice." *Based on reporting by Motherjones.*