Supreme Court Allows Transgender Military Ban to Take Effect
Court lifts nationwide injunction while legal challenges continue
The Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration's emergency request to implement a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military while litigation continues. The Court's order, which noted the three liberal justices dissented, lifts a nationwide injunction that had previously blocked the policy. This decision represents a setback for the seven transgender service members who filed the lawsuit challenging the ban, including lead plaintiff Navy Commander Emily Shilling.
The policy announced in February 2025 disqualifies from military service individuals with gender dysphoria or those who have undergone medical interventions for gender dysphoria. The administration's legal argument centered on the need for courts to show substantial deference to the Defense Department's judgment on military matters. The government cited a Pentagon report claiming people with gender dysphoria pose a threat to military effectiveness and lethality as justification for the policy.
KEY POINTS
- •Court lifts block on transgender ban
- •Liberal justices dissented from ruling
- •Policy affects those with gender dysphoria
Opponents of the ban argue it violates the Constitution's 14th Amendment equal protection guarantees and other constitutional provisions. Advocacy groups Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign Foundation, representing the plaintiffs, called the ruling a devastating blow to transgender service members. They contend the policy is based on prejudice rather than military readiness concerns, noting that transgender individuals have demonstrated their capabilities in military service.
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