Republicans Attempt to Hijack Defense Bill With Anti-Transgender Amendments​
Far-right lawmakers want to use the bill to target access to abortion, gender-affirming care, and more in the military.
July 13, 2023
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Far-right lawmakers want to use the bill to target access to abortion, gender-affirming care, and more in the military.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano expressed his support for transgender service members.
The Trump administration directive looking to discharge trans service members was tucked away in a court filing.
Secretary of Defense James Mattis says the delay will allow more time to study how transgender troops will affect military readiness.
The Pentagon's working group tasked with rescinding the military's long-standing ban on service by openly transgender Americans will hold its first meeting Monday.
The move comes after years of work by LGBT activists.
The Senate bill, called the Ensuring Military Readiness Act, would bar service for anyone who had transitioned anytime in the past 36 months before service.
The Department of Justice has until Tuesday morning to assure Judge Ana Reyes that trans troops aren't being professionally impacted.
But lawyers for transgender troops say one block remains.
But will the administration keep in mind that courts have taken a dim view of banning transgender troops?
Thirty-Eight graduates of the U.S. Military at West Point came out with the announcement that they are forming a support group with an offer to help their alma mater educate future Army leaders on the need to accept and honor the sacrifices of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender troops.
Their statement comes amid reports that Defense Secretary James Mattis might put a hold on bringing in transgender recruits.
"It's a trap," one legal expert told The Advocate.
The policies implement President Biden's executive order lifting the ban put in place by his predecessor.
The American Medical Association excoriates Trump's ban.
The policy explicitly bans transgender service members from receiving gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy and gender-confirmation surgeries.
These transgender troops will be the real stars walking the red carpet at tonight's televised awards ceremony.