Judge blocks Trump's transgender military ban in key ruling
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump's order banning transgender individuals from military service. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 soldiers and recruits challenging the U.S. President's policy.
What you need to know
- Judge Ana Reyes from Washington blocked Trump's decree, stating that it may violate the constitutional ban on sex discrimination.
- The lawsuit was filed by 20 people challenging the policy that bans transgender military service.
- The Trump administration argued that a gender identity not consistent with biological sex conflicts with the duties of a soldier.
Appointed by President Joe Biden, federal judge Ana Reyes from Washington ruled that one of the several executive orders issued by Donald Trump on January 27, concerning the rights of transgender people, likely violates the constitutional ban on discrimination based on sex.
The military banned and began discharging transgender individuals from service
The Trump administration argued that adopting a gender identity not consistent with biological sex conflicts with a soldier's commitment to an honorable and disciplined lifestyle. During March proceedings, administration lawyers contended that the military has the right to prohibit and discharge individuals with certain conditions that render them unfit for duty. In their view, the judge should trust the Trump administration's assessment.
Judge Reyes, however, repeatedly challenged the administration's representatives to support their position with evidence.
According to the plaintiffs — 20 U.S. soldiers and individuals intending to join the military— Trump's mandate is unlawful. They referenced a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that recognized employment discrimination against transgender people as a form of illegal sex discrimination.
According to Department of Defense data, the U.S. armed forces consist of about 1.3 million active-duty soldiers. Transgender rights advocates estimate that as many as 15,000 transgender people serve in the military, while the administration places the number at only a few thousand. The court's decision is a significant step towards protecting the rights of transgender individuals in the U.S. armed forces.
