Federal Court Order Blocks Redistricting

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A federal judge has ordered Texas not to move forward with redistricting plans for congressional and state legislative seats until they are approved by the courts.

A coalition of Democratic politicians, minority groups and civil rights activists have sued the state over the plans. They say the Republican majority drew the new political lines in a way that discriminates against minorities.

The Department of Justice has also argued against the new congressional, state House and state Senate maps.

State law requires that the new districts be implemented on Oct. 1. The restraining order issued by a San Antonio-based judge on Thursday will stop the new districts from going into effect.

There are two ongoing court cases arguing the merits of the plan, one in San Antonio and another in Washington.

    
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