The Trump administration has requested a U.S. appeals court to allow the enforcement of a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military while the administration appeals a federal judge’s order that blocked the ban. The administration filed an emergency motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, arguing that the ban supports the government’s interests in military readiness, unit cohesion, good order and discipline, and cost management. The ban was challenged in court by current and prospective service members who claim it discriminates against them. The judge initially blocked the ban but allowed the government to appeal. If the appeals court grants the government’s request to stay the order further, it would permit the military to discharge transgender service members during the appeal process. The plaintiffs’ lawyer criticized the government’s actions, stating that removing qualified transgender individuals from the military would do more harm than good. President Trump’s executive order in January cited conflict between gender identity and a soldier’s commitment to a disciplined lifestyle as the reason for the ban. The military subsequently implemented a new policy requiring separation of individuals with a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria. The judge who blocked the ban found it likely violated the prohibition on sex discrimination in the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing that transgender individuals can possess the qualities necessary for military service.
