A judge in Iowa has ruled to overturn a the state's Medicaid ban on transition-related healthcare coverage, a major victory for the transgender community.

Chief District Judge Arthur Gamble decided Thursday in favor of plaintiffs Carol Ann Beal and EerieAnna, who were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa.

Gamble ruled that the classification of transition-related surgeries as “cosmetic, reconstructive or plastic surgery” and explicitly banning “surgeries for the purpose of sex reassignment” violated both the Iowa Civil Rights Act and the state constitution.

"The Regulation clearly discriminates against transgender Medicaid recipients on the basis of gender identity," Gamble wrote in the 43-page ruling, and said the Department of Human Services has an "obligation to keep up with medical science."

“DHS failed to do so when it denied coverage to Good and Beal for medically necessary gender-affirming surgery. This decision was made without regard to the law and facts."

"This has been a long time coming,” Beal said in a statement. “I’m so glad I can get the care I need, and I’m glad that other Iowans can now get the same care."

“Today is a historic day for civil rights in Iowa,” Rita Bettis, legal director of the ACLU of Iowa, said at a press conference. “We are extremely relieved for our clients who now, after a very long wait, can finally get the care they need (and) that all of their doctors agree is medically necessary for them.”

The Attorney General of Iowa’s office was “studying the ruling and consulting with DHS," communications director Lynn Hicks told the Des Moines Register. It has 30 days to appeal the decision.