Trump to Implement Transgender Military Ban
Join us and tell your reps how you feel!
What’s the story?
On July 26 President Trump enflamed critics and flummoxed military leaders when he tweeted out a call to ban transgender individuals from serving in any capacity in the military. Lawmakers had mixed reactions and military leaders said they couldn’t make any official changes until they received an official directive from the White House. They’ll be getting it soon, according to reports.
Why does it matter?
The Wall Street Journal reports that the 2 ½ page memo is expected to give Defense Secretary Jim Mattis 6 months to institute a ban. The ban would include kicking active duty service members out of the military if they are deemed not "deployable," denying admittance to openly transgender recruits, and prohibiting the military from paying for any medical treatments that transgender individuals might require for their gender dysphoria.
According to a RAND Corporation study commissioned by the Pentagon in 2016, there are upwards of 6,600 active duty service members who could be affected by the ban. There is no way to quantify how many otherwise eligible recruits will no longer be able to serve as a result of the ban.
The Washington Post reports that various LGBT advocacy groups are preparing to fight the ban in court.
What do you think?
Do you support the president’s ban? Do you think the ban is wrong and should be challenged? Are you a transgender citizen who will be affected by the ban?
Tell us what you think in the comments and then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!
— Asha Sanaker
(Photo Credit: Air Combat Command / Creative Commons)
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