Six military members sue Trump admin over transgender military order
The Trump administration’s executive order banning transgender individuals from openly serving in the military has sparked a legal battle with six transgender service members and two potential enlistees filing a lawsuit against the government. The order, signed by President Trump on Monday, states that adopting a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex conflicts with the values of honor, truthfulness, and discipline expected of military personnel.
According to the order, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the military undermines unit cohesion and the mission of the armed forces. It also cites concerns about the medical interventions, such as hormonal and surgical treatments, involved in transitioning as being incompatible with the rigorous standards required of service members. Furthermore, the order emphasizes the importance of military personnel being free of medical conditions that would require excessive treatment or hospitalization.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., argues that the executive order is unconstitutional and violates the Equal Protection component of the Fifth Amendment. The plaintiffs, which include decorated service members like a Sailor of the Year honoree and a Bronze Star recipient, claim that the ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the military is rooted in animosity and prejudice.
The lawsuit highlights the impact of the order on the careers and aspirations of transgender service members, with one plaintiff, Army Sgt. First Class Kate Cole, expressing concern about the loss of experienced personnel and the destabilization of the armed forces. Another plaintiff, Army Capt. Gordon Herrero, emphasized that being transgender does not make him any less capable of serving effectively alongside his fellow soldiers.
Attorneys from the National Center for Lesbian Rights and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders are representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, arguing that the government cannot base policies on disapproval of particular groups of people. They contend that such animus-based laws are unconstitutional and invalid.
The Pentagon has stated that it will fully execute and implement all directives outlined in the executive order, ensuring that they are carried out in alignment with national security objectives. The Justice Department is expected to handle questions related to the lawsuit.
The legal battle over the ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the military underscores the ongoing debate surrounding diversity and inclusion in the armed forces. As the case unfolds, it will likely continue to spark discussions about the rights of transgender service members and the principles of equality and fairness within the military.
