BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of attorneys general from 20 states in opposing former President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The group filed a legal brief on Friday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, calling the policy discriminatory and a threat to both state and national security.
The brief supports a lawsuit brought by U.S. Navy Commander Emily Shilling, a decorated officer who has served for over two decades and completed more than 60 combat and high-risk missions. Shilling, who is transgender, is challenging the Trump-era executive order that bars transgender individuals from military service.
“Excluding transgender Americans from military service is not only discriminatory – it’s a direct threat to our national security,” said Maryland Attorney General Brown. “These are courageous, skilled individuals who are willing to risk everything for their country. President Trump’s unlawful ban sacrifices military readiness and basic human dignity for political gain.”
“The Trump Administration’s unlawful attempt to single out and discriminate against transgender servicemembers is an insult to all who serve and frankly un-American,” said California Attorney General Bonta. “At the California DOJ we remain committed to ensuring that all Californians are free from discrimination and harassment and will continue to uphold and protect the rights of our transgender community.”
“Transgender service members proudly uphold the values of our nation with honor, courage, and sacrifice,” said New York Attorney General James. “In New York and nationwide, the National Guard depends on every qualified individual willing to serve, especially as our communities face escalating climate disasters and other threats. My office will not allow the federal government to attack our residents and weaken our military.”
Brown and his counterparts argue that the ban not only violates constitutional protections but also harms state-run National Guard units by depriving them of capable, experienced personnel. The coalition emphasized that the policy undercuts states’ efforts to uphold anti-discrimination laws and hinders military recruitment during a time of increasing personnel shortages.
The filing reiterates support for a preliminary injunction granted by a lower court earlier this year, which halted implementation of Trump’s order nationwide. That injunction, partially influenced by a prior brief filed by Brown and the same group of attorneys general, remains in effect pending appeal.
Joining Maryland in the legal action are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The case, Shilling v. Trump, represents a continued legal and political fight over transgender rights in the military and beyond. Advocates hope it will help cement protections for LGBTQ+ service members going forward.
