Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) today condemned the Department of Defense (DoD) guidance implementing the Trump administration’s policy banning transgender individuals from enlisting or continuing to serve in the United States Armed Forces that was issued February 26th. The policy institutes a 30-day period to begin separation of any current transgender servicemember currently in the military and has immediate impacts on access to healthcare and treatment of transgender servicemembers.
Lambda Legal and HRCF issued the following statement:
“A dishonorable action from a dishonorable administration. This attack on those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country is not only morally reprehensible but fundamentally un-American. Forcing out thousands of transgender servicemembers–who have met every qualification to serve–does not enhance military excellence or make our country safer. Instead, the United States will be losing highly trained professionals who serve in roles critical to our national security. The courage and sacrifice demonstrated by transgender servicemembers in uniform-deserve our utmost respect and protection, not discrimination. This blatant injustice cannot stand, and we look forward to continuing to represent the brave transgender servicemembers in court.”
Earlier this month, Lambda Legal and HRCF filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s ban on military service by transgender people. The lawsuit—brought in response to the administration’s January 27th executive order – was filed on behalf of six actively serving transgender service members, a transgender person seeking to enlist in the military, and Gender Justice League, a civil and human rights organization headquartered in Seattle.
On February 19, Lambda Legal and HRCF asked the district court to block the trans military ban while the litigation proceeds.
Read more about the case here: https://lambdalegal.org/case/shilling-v-trump/