Appeals Court Rules Pentagon Transgender Troop Ban Unlawful

A federal appeals court panel has ruled that the Pentagon's policy banning transgender individuals from serving in the military is unlawful, marking a significant legal victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates. The decision, issued on Monday, stems from a challenge to the policy implemented during the Trump administration, which barred most transgender people from enlisting or serving openly.

The court found that the policy violated constitutional guarantees of equal protection and due process. The ruling applies to service members and recruits who were affected by the ban, potentially allowing them to rejoin or continue serving without restriction.

The Pentagon has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. Advocates hailed the ruling as a step toward equality, while opponents argued it undermines military readiness.

The case now returns to a lower court for further proceedings.