The state of Washington will petition to join a lawsuit that challenges President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, Democratic Governor Jay Inslee announced on Monday.
"We recognize that the military, and that includes our Washington state National Guard, attracts incredibly talented and dedicated individuals and we want to continue to attract that talent without discrimination," Inslee said.
The Washington National Guard said it’s aware of one transgender person currently serving in its ranks. The guard has roughly 8,000 members.
Trump announced the ban on transgender people joining the military last month. It applies to any service in the armed forces, including the National Guard.
The state of Washington is petitioning to intervene in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Seattle on behalf of two transgender people who want to enlist.
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