A federal judge in New Jersey has temporarily halted the removal of two transgender service members from the Air Force. This follows a similar decision made last week by a judge in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Judge Christine O’Hearn concluded after a Monday hearing that the separation of the two men, Master Sgt. Logan Ireland and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bear Bade, would result in irreparable harm to both their careers and reputations.
The judge issued a two-week injunction against the enforcement of an executive order by former President Donald Trump that bans transgender individuals from serving in the military.
Judge O’Hearn determined that Ireland and Bade are likely to succeed in their claim of discrimination based on sex, noting that the executive order unfairly targets them due to their gender identity and that the differential treatment cannot be justified.
“Being barred from military service under a policy stigmatizing gender identity goes beyond mere employment loss; it deeply affects personal dignity, continuity of medical care, and commitment to public service,” O’Hearn stated while granting a 14-day restraining order.
While the Pentagon has referred queries about the ruling to the Justice Department, the latter has not promptly provided a comment on the matter.
The court order indicates that both men had been placed on administrative leave: Ireland was removed from a training program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, and Bade was recalled from a deployment in Kuwait. Ireland possesses over 14 years of service experience, having been deployed to Afghanistan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, whereas Bade has dedicated more than six years and earned several awards and medals.
Judge O’Hearn, appointed by President Joe Biden, stated, “The forced loss of distinguished military status, healthcare benefits, and the opportunity to serve their country under a policy they have consistently adhered to is something monetary compensation cannot repair.”
On January 27, Trump had signed an executive order declaring that the gender identity of transgender service members poses a conflict with the disciplined and honorable lifestyle commitment of soldiers, adversely affecting military readiness.