A federal judge temporarily halted the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. Judge Ana Reyes in Washington ruled that the order likely violated the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition on sex discrimination. The lawsuit challenging the measure was brought by 20 current and prospective service members. Reyes, appointed by President Joe Biden, criticized the ban as denying equal protection rights to transgender individuals who have bravely served. The court’s decision was praised by lawyer Jennifer Levi, who noted the harm inflicted on transgender soldiers. The White House and Pentagon did not immediately comment on the ruling. Trump’s order, which led to the expulsion of transgender service members, was met with legal challenges citing illegal sex discrimination. The military argued that certain conditions, including being transgender, make individuals unfit for service. The judge questioned the government’s justifications and expressed dismay over language in the order disparaging transgender individuals. Transgender rights advocates estimate thousands of transgender individuals serve in the military, while officials cite a lower figure.
