Judge blocks Trump's transgender military ban in second blow
Federal judge Benjamin Settle from Washington has blocked Trump’s decision to ban military service by transgender individuals. This is the second such ruling in a week.
Federal judge Benjamin Settle from northwestern Washington has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. This follows a similar ruling by a judge in Washington last week.
Judge Settle’s decision addressed a case brought by a group of transgender soldiers with many years of experience. They argued that the ban is discriminatory and offensive, and its implementation could irreparably harm their careers and reputations.
President Trump signed an executive order on 27th January, stating that the gender identity of transgender individuals is incompatible with military requirements, negatively affecting combat readiness. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth introduced new rules that generally prevent transgender individuals from serving in the military.
Gender Justice League leading the fight
The Gender Justice League (GJL), which includes transgender soldiers, was one of the entities challenging Trump’s policy. Among them was U.S. Navy Commander Lieutenant Emily "Hawking" Shilling, who has served in the military for over 19 years, including 60 combat missions as a pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sasha Buchert from Lambda Legal, specialising in civil rights, emphasised that transgender individuals meet all physical and combat requirements, yet are forced to leave service solely because of their identity.
No evidence of combat readiness issues
Jason Lynch, an attorney from the Department of Justice, claimed that the president has the right to make decisions on military matters. However, Judge Settle, nominated by former President George W. Bush, stated that the government has not presented evidence that the presence of transgender individuals in the military causes combat readiness problems.
According to the AP agency, thousands of transgender individuals serve in the military, constituting less than 1 percent of soldiers. In 2016, the Department of Defense allowed them to serve in the armed forces.
