California Today

Federal Appeals Court Rules Pentagon Policy Banning Transgender Troops Unconstitutional

01 June 2026 11:00

A federal appeals court panel ruled that the Pentagon's policy banning transgender troops is unconstitutional. - The policy was found to violate equal protection under the Fifth Amendment.

- Judge Robert Wilkins wrote that the policy appeared driven by a desire to harm a politically unpopular group. - The ruling overturns a lower court decision and could impact military personnel policies nationwide.

The decision is a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights and transgender service members.

Tags

politicscourtmilitary