Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress Executive Vice President for External Affairs Winnie Stachelberg issued the following statement following the announcement that the ban on transgender Americans serving openly in the military will be repealed.
CAP applauds the action taken by the U.S. Department of Defense today to allow transgender Americans to serve openly in the military. The Pentagon’s new policy tells the thousands of transgender troops and their families that they are respected and honored for the sacrifices they make every day for our country. Transgender people no longer have to decide between serving their country and being themselves, and this new policy will enhance—not hinder—our national security. We must also ensure that the transgender service members who sacrifice their lives for our country do not face discrimination when they return home. The United States needs comprehensive nondiscrimination protections so that the doors of opportunity are open to all of America’s heroes and to LGBT people nationwide.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.