Five transgender members of the US Armed Forces have asked a federal judge to prevent immediate actions against them due to former President Donald Trump’s transgender military ban. Their motion, filed on Monday in Washington federal court, highlights the potential harm they may face without judicial protection.
Court’s Previous Ruling
Judge Ana Reyes had earlier blocked the enforcement of Trump’s ban on March 18, citing it as a violation of the US Constitution’s prohibition on sex discrimination. However, her order was temporarily put on hold while the government requested a reconsideration.
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Immediate Harm to Transgender Service Members
The five service members argued they would face “immediate, serious, and irreparable harm” without a new temporary restraining order. Three of them reported being placed on administrative leave, affecting their career progression and trust within their units. Another member was excluded from cadet training, and a fifth was barred from graduating officer candidate school.
Separate Lawsuit in New Jersey
In a related case, a New Jersey federal judge blocked the military from expelling two transgender members but did not extend the order to others.
Government and White House Response
Neither the White House nor the Department of Defense has commented on the matter. Trump’s administration had justified the ban, claiming that adopting a gender identity inconsistent with an individual’s sex conflicted with military values.
Judge Reyes’ Defense of Transgender Service Members
Judge Reyes, appointed by President Joe Biden, emphasized that transgender persons “can have the warrior ethos, physical and mental health, selflessness, honor, integrity, and discipline to ensure military excellence.”
