Judge Settle's ruling afraid a case brought by a group of transgender soldiers with many years of experience. They argued that the prohibition is offensive and discriminatory, and their release would origin irreparable harm to their careers and reputation.
Donald Trump signed an executive regulation on January 27, stating that the sex identity of transgender members of the armed forces "is incompatible with the soldier's commitment to an honorary, truthful and disciplined lifestyle, even in the private sphere" and negatively affects combat readiness.
As the AP reminds, as a consequence of these actions, defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced provisions that "default disqualifies transgenders from military service opportunities".
Donald Trump's controversial decision. ‘The government has not provided any evidence’
Among the entities questioning this policy and Trump's executive regulation before the Tacoma court was the Justice League in sex Affairs (GJL), an association of transgender soldiers. 1 of them is U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Emily "Hawking" Shilling. A 42-year-old female served in the military for over 19 years, including carrying out 60 combat missions as a pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan.
— They can execute the required number of pull-ups, push-ups, shoot well. And yet they are told they must leave military service only due to who they are. “Sasha Buchert from Lambda Legal, a civilian rights specialist, argued.
Jason Lynch, an lawyer for the Justice Department, objected, claiming that the president had the right to make decisions in military matters.
However, justice Settle, nominated by erstwhile Republican president George W. Bush, stated that the government had not provided any evidence that allowing transgender soldiers to service had caused any problems with combat readiness.
"Thousands of transgenders service in the military, making up little than 1 percent of soldiers. In 2016, the Department of defence authorised transgenders to service in the armed forces," the AP states.
