OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Hoyer Statement on President Trump's Discriminatory Ban on Transgender Troops

Statement

Date: Aug. 25, 2017
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after President Trump signed a memorandum directing the Department of Defense to implement his discriminatory ban on transgender Americans serving in the military:

"President Trump's directive to ban transgender Americans who have served and will serve honorably in the military undermines our national security and the values for which U.S. troops risk their lives to defend. It directly contradicts former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, dozens of military officials, and studies conducted by the Department of Defense that have concluded that a strong and inclusive military is in the long-term interest of our nation. In addition, a bipartisan majority in the House rejected a measure earlier this year that would have discriminated against transgender Americans who serve or wish to serve in the military. This discriminatory ban is shameful and wrong, and I urge the President to reconsider his decision and ensure we have the strongest military possible."


Source
arrow_upward