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Transgender TSA Officer Sues DHS Over Ban on Pat-Down Duties

The case challenges a February TSA policy issued to comply with President Trump's order to base workplace rules on biological sex.

Overview

  • The complaint argues the restrictions remove core job functions, hinder promotions and specialized certifications, and limit access to TSA-controlled restrooms.
  • Internal TSA documents say transgender officers may not conduct pat-downs, serve as required witnesses for private screenings, or demonstrate pat-down techniques in training.
  • TSA states that male officers pat down male passengers and female officers pat down female passengers under the policy adopted after the January executive order.
  • Homeland Security defends the approach as protecting traveler comfort and safety, while the federal employees union says fewer eligible screeners could slow checkpoints.
  • A former transgender officer in Las Vegas retired in July citing the new rules, highlighting workforce effects after TSA reversed a 2021 directive that aligned duties with gender identity.