A coalition of six active-duty transgender military members, alongside two veterans looking to return to service, has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at changing the military’s policies on transgender individuals.
This order has raised concerns about the potential for their exclusion from the armed forces.
Concerns Over Military Values
The executive directive argues that the gender identities of transgender service members conflict with the core military values of honor, discipline, and integrity, claiming that these identities could compromise overall military readiness.
It instructs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to create a new policy that aligns with this perspective.
Army Captain Gordon Herrero, one of the plaintiffs, contended that being transgender neither elevates nor diminishes his status among fellow soldiers.
He stressed the shared dedication of all military personnel to their nation and their capability to perform their duties proficiently.
Legal Challenge and Implications
The group of plaintiffs boasts impressive credentials, including distinctions like Sailor of the Year and recipients of the Bronze Star.
Army Sergeant First Class Kate Cole articulated her concerns that barring qualified transgender individuals could diminish the military’s collective experience and expertise.
This lawsuit is spearheaded by the same legal team that previously challenged Trump’s earlier ban on transgender personnel during his first term.
At that time, the Supreme Court allowed the policy to remain in effect while legal battles continued, though President Joe Biden later overturned it upon taking office.
The lawsuit claims violation of equal protection laws, suggesting that the executive order is rooted in discrimination against a specific group.
Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), emphasized that government actions must not be swayed by bias, as such discrimination contravenes constitutional principles.
Ongoing Military Service Impact
In tandem with GLAD Law, NCLR officially submitted the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Counsel from Lambda Legal, Sasha Buchert, noted that her organization, along with the Human Rights Campaign, is preparing to lodge a related legal challenge in response to the executive order.
While the Pentagon has refrained from responding to ongoing litigation, it has signaled its commitment to enact directives stemming from the President’s orders.
Although precise figures on the number of transgender individuals serving in the military remain elusive, estimates indicate that thousands might currently be on active duty.
Minter remarked that the new executive order not only forgoes future enlistments of transgender individuals but also negatively impacts those already serving.
Lolita C. Baldor from the Associated Press contributed reporting from Washington.
Source: Militarytimes