Jayapal Statement on President Trump’s Ban on Transgender People in U.S. Military

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal released the following statement decrying President Trump’s announcement of a ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. Military:

“This announcement represents another salvo in Donald Trump’s war on the rights of our country’s minorities and the vulnerable. A hateful ban on our brothers and sisters in the transgender community from serving in the military clearly creates a second class of citizens.

“Trans rights are human rights. The Constitution promises liberty to all to define and express their identity, but my Republican colleagues are doing nothing to stop the president as he tries to shred the Constitution, tweet by tweet. It is up to all of us to resist this attack on transgender rights and liberties, and as member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, I stand shoulder to shoulder with the transgender community.

“An estimated 15,000 transgender men and women serve in the U.S. Military today. Instead of honoring them, the president has demeaned their sacrifice. Sixty-nine years ago on this day, President Harry Truman took the historic step of desegregating the military and advancing the cause of equality. Today, President Trump – who hasn’t served a day in the military – is taking us back.” 

Issues: LGBTQIA+ Rights