Rehoboth Beach, Del. — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has signed Executive Order 11, positioning Delaware as a sanctuary state for gender-affirming care providers and patients. The order blocks Delaware state agencies from cooperating with investigations or legal actions originating in other states where such care is restricted or illegal.
The move emphasizes Delaware’s commitment to protecting medical decisions from outside interference and reinforces the principle that healthcare should be guided by local laws and medical standards and not political pressure from other states. Under the order, Delaware will also refuse to extradite individuals facing charges related to gender-affirming care that complies with Delaware law.
Governor Meyer said the order defends the privacy and liberty of Delawareans by preventing the state government from aiding outside legal actions that conflict with Delaware’s policies. The order also prevents state professional boards from punishing healthcare providers solely for offering care deemed legal in Delaware.
Supporters argue the executive order safeguards medical freedom and keeps Delaware’s government focused on its own laws and residents instead of enforcing controversial policies from other states. Critics say it challenges the authority of states with stricter laws, but Delaware leaders maintain their responsibility is to uphold their own laws and protect the constitutional rights of Delawareans.
The order reflects Delaware’s stance that medical decisions and law enforcement should respect state sovereignty and avoid unnecessary entanglement in politically charged disputes.
Photo: Delaware.gov