US DEFENSE CHIEF APPEALS COURT RULING BLOCKING TRUMP’S TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN

Thu 20 March 2025:

The US defense secretary has vowed to appeal a court decision blocking US President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving openly in the military.

Pete Hegseth said simply on X: “We are appealing this decision and we will win.”

After returning to the White House this January, President Trump signed a series of executive orders to reshape the military, including a ban on transgender individuals serving openly.

Following the executive order, the US Army announced that it would no longer allow transgender individuals to enlist or receive gender transition-related medical procedures.

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The military said last month that it would begin discharging transgender personnel.

On Tuesday US District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington temporarily halted the enforcement of Trump’s executive order that banned transgender individuals from serving in the military.

Reyes’ decision, in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 active-duty and potential service members challenging the policy, determined that Trump’s directive likely violates the Constitution’s ban on sex discrimination.

The controversy surrounding transgender people in the U.S. military has been marked by shifting policies and political debates. In 2016, the Obama administration lifted the ban on transgender service members, allowing them to serve openly and receive gender-affirming care.

However, in 2017, President Trump announced a ban, citing concerns about military readiness, costs, and unit cohesion. This led to legal battles and policy revisions.

In 2021, President Biden reversed the ban, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly again. Supporters argue that all qualified individuals should be allowed to serve, emphasizing inclusivity and equal rights. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the impact on military readiness, costs related to medical care, and potential disruptions in unit cohesion.

The issue also touches on broader societal debates about LGBTQ+ rights, inclusion, and the challenges transgender individuals face in military environments. While the policy has shifted over time, the controversy remains tied to larger cultural and political discussions on gender identity and equality.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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