The request comes after a federal judge blocked enforcement of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that banned transgender people from serving in the military. The order claims the sexual identity of transgender servicemembers “conflicts with the soldier’s commitment” and is harmful to military readiness.

U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle — an appointee of former Republican President George W. Bush — in March ruled in favor of servicemembers suing the Trump administration over the order, stating that their firing would damage their careers and reputations.