Other LanguagesSEATTLE – The president’s discriminatory ban on transgender military service members undermines state and national security, attorneys general in 21 states argued in a brief filed Wednesday in support of personnel who filed suit seeking to overturn the order.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown co-authored the amicus brief that says the president’s order “not only violates the Constitution…but it will also weaken our nation’s military, including the National Guard, and undermine the Amici States’ institutions and efforts to protect their communities.”
The brief was filed in Shilling v. Trump, which was brought by lead plaintiff and decorated U.S. Navy Commander Emily Shilling. Shilling, who has served for over 20 years and flown over 60 combat and high-risk missions, is transgender and wants to continue working for the American public.
The amicus brief describes how the president’s action deprives the state’s National Guard units of experienced and qualified soldiers at a time when recruitment is especially challenging. Trump’s blatantly discriminatory policy is also fundamentally at odds with state laws protecting transgender individuals.
Washington was joined by the attorneys general of 20 other states in the filing, which was co-authored by Brown’s office and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. The other states joining are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
-30-
Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the State of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Media Contact:
Email: press@atg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 753-2727
General contacts: Click here