Lower courts had blocked the policy, saying it was not supported by evidence and violated equal protection principles.

The Trump administration can begin to enforce a ban on transgender troops serving in the military while a challenge to the policy plays out in the courts, the supreme court ruled on Tuesday. This is a significant decision that could lead to the discharge of thousands of military members.

The Supreme Court allowed President Trump’s transgender military ban to take effect while legal challenges continue. Critics, including LGBTQ advocates and military members, argue the policy is discriminatory and harms careers.