Hateful. This is the first word that popped into my mind as I read the multiple push alerts that came to my phone. 45 has done it again. He’s broken another campaign promise and elected to ban transgender people from serving in the military.
This morning 45 tweeted “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.” This comes just weeks after the House rejected controversial amendments to the annual defense policy that would have blocked transgender service members from receiving general reassignment therapy.
But what about your promise? What happened to fighting for LGBT rights?
According to the Associated Press, between 2,500 and 7,000 transgender service members on active duty and an additional 1,500 to 4,000 in the reserves. How dare you tell a specific group of people they cannot serve their country? Especially a group of people you promised you would fight for. The reasoning given for this decision to ban trans people is ridiculous to say the least. You don’t want to allow able bodied citizens to participate in such an important role in our nation because of the medical costs and disruptions? I call BS.
This is yet another example of the ignorance and prejudice this administration displays through their actions that continue to set our country back decades at a time. What an egregious act to carry out and it’s already received tons of backlash.
Every patriotic American who is qualified to serve in our military should be able to serve. Full stop.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 26, 2017
@Caitlyn_Jenner wake up sweetheart give Your wonderful president a call & discuss #noTransgender in military congrats on a great choice!
— Sandra Bernhard (@SandraBernhard) July 26, 2017
Donald needs a psychiatric intervention. And an exorcism. #DonaldTrump #LGBT
— Terry McMillan (@MsTerryMcMillan) July 26, 2017
I am an Iraqi war veteran & I am disgusted by the bigotry of our Commander-In-Chief.
LGBT/Transgender soldiers bravely serve this country. pic.twitter.com/GqsnY5FFU9
— Ted Corcoran (RedTRaccoon) (@RedTRaccoon) July 26, 2017
No matter your beliefs or feelings, ALL citizens should have the right to fight for and serve the country they call home.