Military Ban Under Fire: Transgender Soldiers Sue Trump Administration
On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order reinstating a ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. In response, six active-duty transgender service members and two individuals seeking to enlist filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the constitutionality of this directive.
The plaintiffs, represented by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), argue that the ban violates their equal protection and due process rights under the Constitution.
The executive order directs the Secretary of Defense to implement policies prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in any capacity, citing concerns about military readiness and cohesion. It also mandates the cessation of funding for gender-affirming medical treatments for service members.
Advocacy groups anticipated such a policy change and had prepared by conducting workshops to assist transgender service members in navigating potential restrictions.
The lawsuit seeks an emergency injunction to halt the enforcement of the ban and aims to secure permanent protections for transgender individuals in the military. Legal experts predict a protracted legal battle, as similar policies have faced challenges in the past.