Judge hints at federal class action, orders DOJ evidence in trans military ban case

"Judge Ana Reyes moved the proceeding online due to forecasts of widespread severe weather across the capital region. Reyes granted in part the plaintiffs' request to move the case forward and denied, for now, a government motion seeking to halt proceedings while the litigation continues on appeal."

"In an electronic order issued after the hearing, the judge directed the government to produce, by April 30, the certified administrative record underlying the policy, as well as the internal materials and evidence officials relied on in crafting the restrictions."

"At the same time, Reyes set a schedule for a briefing on whether the case should proceed as a class action representing transgender service members more broadly. The parties must propose a briefing schedule by March 20, with arguments on class certification to conclude by June 12."

Judge Ana Reyes presided over a hearing in Talbott v. United States regarding restrictions on transgender military service members. The judge granted plaintiffs' request to move the case forward while denying the government's motion to halt proceedings during appeal. Reyes ordered the administration to produce the certified administrative record and internal materials underlying the policy by April 30. The judge also established a timeline for determining whether the case should proceed as a class action representing transgender service members broadly, with class certification arguments concluding by June 12 and a hearing scheduled for late June. The lawsuit challenges the policy treating sex as fixed at birth and restricting transgender military service.

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