In a major legal development, the U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Department of Defense to enforce a controversial policy that limits military service by transgender individuals. The decision lifts a lower court’s injunction, allowing the policy to go into effect while legal challenges continue.

The case traces back to a 2017 directive from then-President Trump, which instructed the Pentagon to revise its rules on transgender service members. The administration cited concerns over military readiness, unit cohesion, and medical expenses as justification for the change.

The move was immediately met with lawsuits from transgender service members, who argued the policy was discriminatory and ignored their ability to serve based on merit. A federal district court initially sided with those plaintiffs, issuing an order that temporarily blocked the policy.

Although the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declined to overturn that injunction, the Supreme Court stepped in, granting a stay that allows the military to enforce the policy while the legal fight continues. This ruling doesn’t settle the constitutional issues at the heart of the case, but it does allow the Pentagon to proceed with the restrictions for now.

Supporters of the policy say it’s necessary to maintain the military’s effectiveness and reduce potential disruptions. Critics, including civil rights advocates, argue it unfairly singles out transgender individuals based on their gender identity rather than their qualifications or fitness to serve.

The case, Shilling v. United States, is still making its way through the courts and could eventually set a major precedent for the rights of transgender Americans in the military.