Golden State Today

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 include six active-duty servicemembers and two individuals who wish to enlist.

The attorneys general argue that the executive order undermines military effectiveness, threatens National Guard readiness for natural disasters and state security, and endangers 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 hosts a significant number of military personnel and bases. The state relies on the California National Guard for critical services, including responding to national security threats and natural disasters like recent fires in Los Angeles.

The coalition urges the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to issue a preliminary injunction against implementing this order. They argue that banning transgender individuals from military service will harm recruitment efforts, undermine state institutions' ability to protect LGBTQ+ rights, negatively impact transgender veterans and active servicemembers, and weaken military inclusivity by enforcing discriminatory policies.

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.