Half of Senate Opposes Transgender Military Ban
WASHINGTON — Fifty members of the Senate sent a letter today to the Department of Defense opposing President Trump’s directive to ban transgender service members from serving in the military. That directive has been blocked by federal courts in four separate cases, including the American Civil Liberties Union’s lawsuit, Stone v. Trump.
Ian Thompson, legislative representative for the ACLU, had the following reaction:
“This bipartisan letter from half of the Senate is a powerful rebuke to President Trump’s discriminatory attempt to ban transgender people from the armed forces. The implementation plan is nothing more than transphobia masquerading as policy. Transgender people in our military deserve more from their government than a policy that coerces them into choosing between their humanity and their country and that tells them that they are not welcome. This letter makes clear that that support does exist, and it is strong on both sides of the aisle. The ACLU will continue to work with Democratic and Republican allies in Congress to vigorously oppose this reckless and unconstitutional policy.”
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in LGBTQ Rights
-
Sasha Colby Is Winning in More Ways Than One
-
Southern Utah Drag Stars File Lawsuit Challenging the City of St. George’s Censorship of Drag Performances
-
Oklahoma Attorney General Signs Non-Enforcement Agreement on Health Care Ban for Trans Youth
-
ACLU Challenges Mississippi High School’s Refusal to Let Transgender Student Wear Dress to Graduation Ceremony
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About LGBTQ Rights
The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.