Transgender flag at a pro-trans protest in front of SCOTUS, left, and the Pentagon seal. (Getty)
The Trump administration further requested that, if the motion to dissolve is denied, the court should stay the preliminary injunction pending appeal.
The government cited new guidance issued March 21 that it expected to enact the policy if not for the ongoing litigation. The guidance clarified that "the phrase ‘exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria’" solely applies to "'individuals who exhibit such symptoms as would be sufficient to constitute a diagnosis.'"
Reyes said she wanted to allow more time for the appeals process. She also said she had previously allowed plenty of time to appeal her earlier opinion blocking the ban from going into effect.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers remarks during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Pentagon on Feb. 5 in Arlington, Va. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
"Gender dysphoria is not like other medical conditions, something Defendants well know," Reyes continued. "It affects only one group of people: all persons with gender dysphoria are transgender and only transgender persons experience gender dysphoria."
She later noted that the opinion has generated a heated public debate, and, as the court predicted, the Trump administration will appeal.
"This is all to the good," Reyes said. "But let's recall that our service members make the debate and appeals possible. Their sacrifices breathe life into the phrase, ‘one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’ The Court, again, thanks them all."
The legal challenge comes as the Supreme Court also considers a high-profile case dealing with transgender rights.
The issue in the case, United States vs. Skrmetti, is whether the equal protection clause, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same, prohibits states from allowing medical providers to deliver puberty blockers and hormones to assist with a minor's transition to another sex.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-denies-trump-admins-effort-ban-transgender-people-from-military