Federal judge blocks Trump's ban on transgender military service

A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration's ban on transgender people serving in the military. This decision comes after a group of six active-duty transgender service members filed a lawsuit challenging the ban. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes believes the executive order likely violates the constitutional rights of transgender individuals. She has given the government until Friday to appeal her ruling. The judge emphasized the importance of respecting all service members, regardless of their gender identity. The ban was introduced by Trump in January 2017. He claimed that transgender people could harm military readiness and that their identity conflicts with a soldier's commitment to discipline. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth then enforced a policy disqualifying those with gender dysphoria from military service. Advocates argue that this order violates the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees equal protection. They highlighted that many qualified transgender individuals serve in the military, believing they should not be separated based on their gender identity. The Defense Department has disqualified individuals with certain mental health issues historically, but attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that gender identity does not affect one's ability to serve. They claim the executive order continues a pattern of discrimination against transgender individuals by the Trump administration, which has also affected areas like healthcare and education. The case reflects ongoing debates about LGBTQ rights and military service, with significant legal battles continuing in several areas affecting transgender rights.