Hoyer Statement on Reversal of Transgender Military Service Ban

“Today’s announcement represents a milestone in the march toward LGBT equality and the work of making our military stronger.  By allowing transgender Americans to serve our nation openly in uniform, we are declaring that no dedicated, talented, and driven candidates will be turned away from service simply because of their gender identity or expression.  Now that this new, inclusive policy has been announced, I hope the Pentagon will move swiftly to implement it fully. 

“This announcement builds on the repeal six years ago of the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy that banned gays and lesbians from serving openly – a repeal I was proud to help lead in the House.  The challenges some have raised against this change in policy are similar to those presented with the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and they were proven inaccurate then and will be proven so again now.  I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the LGBT Equality Caucus, the House Armed Services Committee, and our military leaders to ensure that military service is open to all qualified individuals who want to lend their talents to the work of protecting our nation.”