March 23, 2018

Rep. Takano: Trump's Ban on Trans Servicemembers is a Disgrace

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), the first openly gay Member of Congress elected in California, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to reissue a ban on transgender people serving in the military. 

“President Trump’s decision to reissue a ban on transgender servicemembers is a disgrace to the office he holds and the country he took an oath to protect. Any person who has the courage and patriotism to serve a nation at war should receive our unwavering gratitude and support, regardless of their country of origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

“Six courts have ruled that this discriminatory ban, more than 50 retired Generals and Admirals have warned that it would undermine military readiness, and Members of Congress from both parties have spoken out against it. Simply put: President Trump is prioritizing a small segment of his base at the expense of our safety and our principles.”

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