California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 20 attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the case of Talbott v. Trump. The brief supports a challenge to former President Trump's executive order that seeks to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. The plaintiffs in this case include six active-duty servicemembers and two individuals seeking enlistment.
The attorneys general argue that the executive order undermines national security by impacting military effectiveness and state security efforts. They emphasize that it jeopardizes the ability of the National Guard to respond effectively to natural disasters and hinders states' efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights.
"Today we are filing an amicus brief to protect the rights of the hard-working military servicemembers who have dedicated their life to service and to protecting our lives and our country. The Trump Administration’s decision to single out and discriminate against transgender servicemembers is an insult to all who serve; it’s also unlawful," said Attorney General Bonta. "As home to approximately 2.8 million LGBTQ+ individuals, California will continue to stand up for the rights of our transgender community as they seek to live their lives as their authentic selves."
California, which hosts a significant number of military personnel and bases, would be substantially affected if this executive order stands. The state relies heavily on its National Guard for responding to threats and natural disasters such as recent fires in Los Angeles.
The coalition urges the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to grant a preliminary injunction against implementing this order, arguing it would harm recruitment efforts, undermine state institutions protecting LGBTQ+ rights, negatively impact transgender veterans and servicemembers, and weaken military inclusivity.
Attorney General Bonta is joined by his counterparts from Vermont, Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
A copy of the brief can be found here.