Six Transgender Military Members Sue President Trump Over Ban on Transgender Service
A group of six transgender military members, including current service members and those seeking to enlist, have filed a lawsuit against President Trump over his recent executive order banning transgender people from serving in the military. The suit was filed in Washington, D.C. federal court on Tuesday.
The plaintiffs, who have received various service medals and awards, claim that Trump’s order is unconstitutional and biased, reflecting animosity towards transgender individuals due to their gender identity. They argue that the order was issued without conducting a study on the effectiveness of transgender service members and without considering alternative, less drastic options.
The group includes Army Reserves Lt. Nicolas Talbott, Army Major Erica Vandal, Army Sgt. First Class Kate Cole, Army Capt. Gordon Herrero, Navy Ensign Dany Danridge, and Air Force Master Sgt. Jamie Hash. Cole, who has been in the Army for 17 years, including service in Afghanistan, claims that the ban will unfairly halt her military aspirations and careers.
The lawsuit is being brought by lawyers from the National Center for Lesbian Rights and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, who fought the military ban on transgender people during Trump’s first term. They argue that the law is clear that the government cannot base policies on disapproval of particular groups of people.
The Pentagon has declined to comment on the suit, while the White House has not responded to a request for comment. The plaintiffs are seeking an emergency ruling to block the ban and allow them to continue serving in the military.