Washington asks to join challenge to transgender military service

OLYMPIA – Washington wants to join a lawsuit over the ban on transgender men and women serving in the military.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson Monday filed a request in U.S. District Court in Seattle to join a group that is challenging President Donald Trump’s decision to ban transgender people from enlisting in the armed forces and a possible change in policy that would not allow those currently in uniform to continue serving.

“Barring transgender individuals on serving based on anything other than their ability and conduct is wrong,” Ferguson said in a press release announcing the request, which should get an answer from the court after three weeks.

Gov. Jay Inslee, at a press conference, said the state shouldn’t discriminate against capable people willing to serve:“We want the best team in our National Guard.”