Court Sides with California, Rejects Trump Administration’s Latest Misguided Attempt to Enforce Ban on Military Service by Transgender Individuals

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued the following statement in response to a federal court’s denial of the Trump Administration’s motion to dissolve the preliminary injunction secured by California, Equality California and additional co-plaintiffs in Stockman v. Trump. The case defends the rights of transgender individuals seeking to join, or currently serving openly in, the U.S. military. As a result of today’s decision, the preliminary injunction will remain in place, allowing transgender individuals to continue serving in the military.

“Today’s ruling upholds our nation’s values and interests. The Trump Administration’s transgender military service ban does not,” said Attorney General Becerra. “President Trump’s despicable ban weakens our national security and erodes the fundamental value of equality that makes our nation great. Our servicemembers, regardless of gender identity, are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. We are proud to continue the fight to protect their liberties despite the federal government’s disregard for equality and the rule of law.”

“Anyone willing to risk their life to protect our country should be treated fairly and with dignity and respect,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “As long as President Trump continues to double down on this unpatriotic and discriminatory ban, we’ll continue to fight him with everything we’ve got — and we have a pretty good track record of winning.”

In December 2017, Attorney General Becerra obtained a nationwide injunction protecting transgender Americans serving in the military. California is a co-plaintiff in this case, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. At the time the preliminary injunction was granted, three federal district courts had already preliminarily enjoined enforcement of President Trump’s ban on military service by transgender individuals in lawsuits in Maryland, Washington, and the District of Columbia.