By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) -A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump from refusing to fund domestic violence programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion or transgender rights.

U.S. District Judge William Smith in Providence, Rhode Island, agreed with a coalition of 17 groups that the conditions set by the U.S. Department of Justice in May, which reflect the administration’s broader agenda, were likely arbitrary and violated federal law.

“If the Court does not grant preliminary relief … this could result in the disruption of important and, in some cases, lifesaving services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence,” wrote Smith, an appointee of President George W. Bush, a Republican.

Smith blocked the Justice D

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