WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Trump administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to allow the enforcement of an order banning transgender people from serving in the military while legal challenges move forward.

On Tuesday, a federal appeals court expressed skepticism about the legality of the ban. The three-judge panel includes two judges appointed by Trump during his first term.

The executive order titled "Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness" was signed by President Donald Trump a week into his term and has since been blocked by at least three different federal judges.

"It is the policy of the United States Government to establish high standards for troop readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity," the order reads. "This policy is inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria."

Shortly after the executive order was signed, a lawsuit was filed in D.C. on behalf of six transgender service members challenging the order.

A court filing in response to the lawsuit revealed the Pentagon planned to disqualify transgender service members unless they meet certain requirements.

“Service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria will be processed for separation from military service,” a memo included in the court filing states.

In March, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle in Tacoma, Washington, blocked enforcement of the order in a case brought by several long-serving transgender military members, stating the ban is insulting and discriminatory, and that their firing would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations.

Settle noted the government had offered no evidence that allowing transgender troops to serve openly has caused any problems for military readiness.

Thousands of transgender people serve in the military, but they represent less than 1% of the total number of active-duty service members.

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Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.