Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Trump’s Decision to Bar Transgender Americans from Military Service

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced his decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military “in any capacity.”

“President Trump stated on the campaign trail that he would be an ally to LGBTQ people, but today’s announcement is yet another broken promise to the American people. It is yet another attempt to divide the country, this time by attacking the LGBTQ community. After rolling back protections for transgender youth, the president has now attacked the brave and patriotic transgender Americans who are voluntarily serving in the military to protect our country and our freedoms.

President Trump doesn’t understand that our military is stronger when there are no discriminatory barriers to service. The civil and human rights community will continue to loudly and proudly stand up for the rights of all who are willing to protect the security of our country, including the thousands of transgender people currently serving in our military.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.