Resolution Condemning Transgender Military Ban Clears California Legislature

Sacramento, CA - September 15, 2017 –The California Legislature has passed a resolution condemning the Trump Administration's ban on service in the military by transgender people and calling on the governor of California to direct the California National Guard to take no action that discriminates against transgender service members on the basis of their gender identity or expression, unless superseded by federal law. Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 22 was authored by Asm. Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and sponsored by Equality California.

"Trump's decision to ban transgender people from serving our country is senseless discrimination, plain and simple. It is counterproductive and does nothing to keep us safe," said Asm. Low, Chair of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus. "All qualified Americans should have an equal opportunity to serve our country."

In addition to sponsoring AJR 22, Equality California and seven individual plaintiffs also have filed suit against President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary James Mattis and other top military officials seeking to ban the President's discriminatory and unconstitutional ban. Latham & Watkins LLP represents Equality California and the seven individual plaintiffs in the case, who are harmed by the ban.  Equality California's members in California include transgender people directly affected by the President's order. California is home to the largest number of LGBTQ people and the largest concentration of servicemembers of any state.

"President Trump has attacked American heroes who have risen above discrimination, hostility and lack of acceptance to serve our country by putting their lives on the line in its defense," said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. "The ban is out of step with California values of inclusion and tolerance, and we're grateful to Asm. Low and the Legislature for standing firm against discrimination."

President Trump's ban is scheduled to take effect in March, 2018.

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org