Today, Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) urged a district court to block the enforcement of the Trump administration’s January 27th executive order banning transgender people from enlisting or continuing to serve in the United States Armed Forces. The groups presented their case in oral arguments held today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
“We presented our case before the Court today seeking to block this discriminatory policy that threatens the careers and dignity of thousands of transgender servicemembers,” said Kell Olson, Counsel and F. Curt Kirschner, Jr. Strategist for LGBTQ+ Seniors, Lambda Legal. “Our argument is straightforward: this ban violates constitutional principles of equal protection, due process, and free speech while simultaneously undermining our national security and military readiness by removing qualified, dedicated personnel from service.
“These patriotic Americans have demonstrated their commitment to our nation through their exemplary service. They ask only to be evaluated on their performance and capabilities, not their gender identity. The government has failed to provide any legitimate military justification for this policy, relying instead on unfounded stereotypes and discriminatory assumptions.”
“This case is about fighting for the courageous, dedicated transgender servicemembers who have willingly chosen to commit their lives to serving this country,” said Sarah Warbelow, Human Rights Campaign Legal Vice President. “Our military is turning its back on soldiers with decades of expertise and training for no other reason than to discriminate against people because of their gender identity. Today, the government was unable to provide any clear evidence, apart from harmful anti-transgender biases, justifying this egregious and unconstitutional ban.”
In February, Lambda Legal and HRCF filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s ban on military service by transgender individuals. The lawsuit—brought in response to the administration’s January 27th executive order – was filed on behalf of six actively serving transgender service members, a transgender person seeking to enlist in the military, and Gender Justice League, a civil and human rights organization headquartered in Seattle.
On February 19, Lambda Legal and HRCF asked the district court to block the implementation of the executive order.
On February 26, the Department of Defense issued guidance implementing the Trump administration’s policy banning transgender individuals from enlisting or continuing to serve in the United States Armed Forces. The policy instituted a 30-day period to begin separation of any transgender servicemember currently in the military and had immediate impacts on access to healthcare and treatment of transgender servicemembers.
Read more about the case here: https://lambdalegal.org/case/shilling-v-trump/