On Jan. 4, the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overturned a lower court's ruling blocking President Trump's ban on transgender people serving in the military from taking effect, according to The Hill.
"Although today's decision is not a final determination on the merits, we must recognize that the Mattis Plan plausibly relies upon the 'considered professional judgment' of 'appropriate military officials' ... and appears to permit some transgender individuals to serve in the military consistent with established military mental health, physical health, and sex-based standards," the three-judge panel concluded.
However, the policy still cannot take effect because of three other nationwide injunctions.
The plaintiffsthe National Center for Lesbian Rights ( NCLR ) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenderspromised to keep fighting the ban.
In response to the Jan. 4 ruling, Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin said in a statement, "The Mattis policy that the DC Circuit upheld is a full ban on transgender troops that would have the same impact as 'don't ask, don't tell,' undermining readiness by forcing troops to live a lie, stigmatizing them, and prompting the discharge of honorably serving personnel.
"All five military Chiefs of Staff have testified that inclusive policy has been a success, with JCS Chairman-designate Mark Milley reporting 'precisely zero' problems."
GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis tweeted, "This ruling is a slap in the face to qualified service members who only are seeking to serve this country. Trans people have already proven their fitness to serve, and have been serving this country with honor."
The Hill's article is at thehill.com/policy/defense/423862-appeals-court-sides-with-trump-on-transgender-military-ban .