President Donald Trump’s order banning transgender people from becoming part of the military was stopped on Tuesday by a federal court in Baltimore. As part of the America Civil Liberties Union’s lawsuit, a preliminary injunction was issued by the court, putting a stop to the ban which does not allow transgender individuals to serve in the military. The move also allows transition-related surgeries if they are included in a person’s medical plan, ABC News reports.
U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis said transgender service members are “already suffering harmful consequences” due to Trump’s policy, and are being stigmatized.
“Today is a victory for transgender service members across the country. We’re pleased that the courts have stepped in to ensure that trans service members are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Joshua Block of the ACLU.
U.S. Army Major Dave Eastburn, spokesman for the Pentagon, said their top priority was the “health and welfare of service members,” adding that under the current policy, people who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a military medical professional, can continue to serve. According to the spokesman, the policy is being reviewed, while recommendation on its conditions are expected to be made by the Secretary to the White House somewhere at the beginning of next year.
Lauren Ehrsam, spokeswoman for the Department of Justice said they disagreed with the court’s order, adding that they were “evaluating the next steps. Plaintiffs’ lawsuit challenging military service requirements is premature for many reasons, including that the Defense Department is actively reviewing such service requirements, as the president ordered, and because none of the plaintiffs have established that they will be impacted by current policies on military service.”
White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley maintained the president’s directive was completely legal and “promotes our national security.” Trump’s order has previously faced another legal block, when a first temporary injunction was issued, stopping the ban on recruiting transgender individuals for the armed services.
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