US appeals court rules Pentagon policy illegally bans transgender troops
On Monday, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit determined that a Pentagon policy prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military is unlawful. The 2-1 ruling denounced the policy as discriminatory against gender identity. Although the decision impacts existing service members, it does not extend to potential recruits, as a previous Supreme Court ruling continues to uphold the ban. This judgment resonates with a ruling from U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in March 2025, who suggested that the executive order issued by former President Trump likely infringes on constitutional rights.
Key facts
- A three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 that the Pentagon policy illegally bans transgender troops.
- The ruling upholds a March 2025 decision by US District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington.
- The ban remains in effect as the appeals court put its ruling on hold for appeals.
- The ruling applies to plaintiffs currently serving in the military but not those seeking to enlist.
- Trump signed an executive order in January 2025 claiming transgender service members harm 'military readiness'.
- A separate lawsuit in Washington state also resulted in a ruling favoring plaintiffs.
- The Supreme Court allowed the ban to go through last year as litigation continues.
- The administration appealed after Reyes issued a preliminary injunction for transgender service members.
Entities
Institutions
- Pentagon
- US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- US Supreme Court
- US District Court for the District of Columbia
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States
- Washington state