The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Lambda Legal issued the following statement:

“A dishonorable action from a dishonorable administration. This attack on those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country is not only morally reprehensible but fundamentally un-American. Forcing out thousands of transgender servicemembers, who have met every qualification to serve, does not enhance military excellence or make our country safer. Instead, the United States will be losing highly trained professionals who serve in roles critical to our national security. The courage and sacrifice demonstrated by transgender servicemembers in uniform deserve our utmost respect and protection—not discrimination. This blatant injustice cannot stand, and we look forward to continuing to represent the brave transgender servicemembers in court.”

Earlier this month, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s ban on military service by transgender people. The lawsuit—brought in response to the administration’s January 27^th executive order—was filed on behalf of six actively serving transgender service members, a transgender person seeking to enlist in the military, and Gender Justice League, a civil and human rights organization headquartered in Seattle.

On February 19, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Lambda Legal asked the district court to block the trans military ban while the litigation proceeds.