A federal appeals court ruled Monday that portions of the Trump administration’s policy barring transgender individuals from military service violate the Constitution.
The three-judge panel issued a 2-1 decision finding that the policy was “driven by the bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group” and “arbitrary and based on animus,” according to court documents. The ruling scrutinized the Defense Department’s justification for the restrictions.
What the Court Found
The appeals panel determined that the policy targets applicants and service members based on gender identity without reasonable legal basis. “Some of those disqualifications are completely unexplained and have no reasonable justification,” the decision stated.
The court found the restrictions extend beyond disqualifying individuals currently experiencing gender dysphoria, raising constitutional concerns about the policy’s scope and intent.
Current Status
The appeals court maintained the ban on enlisting new transgender service members while legal proceedings continue. The decision opens the door for further appeals and potential Supreme Court review.
The case marks another flashpoint in ongoing litigation over military personnel policies under the current administration.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Legal Team contributed to this report.
