Reform Jewish Movement Hails End of Ban on Transgender Service Members

Washington, D.C., June 30, 2016 – In response to the announcement that the Pentagon will lift the ban on transgender troops, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:

"Today's announcement that the Pentagon will lift the ban on transgender troops is an affirmation of what has always been true: transgender service members are committed to serving and protecting the nation and are best able to do so when they are free from fear of harassment for being who they are.

For decades, transgender service members have been subjected to persecution and discharge from the Armed Forces.  Instead of welcoming those willing to sacrifice for their country, the Defense Department, like much of society generally, shunned transgender individuals. Such practices did nothing to further our national security. Rather, our nation was weakened by policies that were discriminatory and painful. As welcome as today's step by the Defense Department is, it also reminds us that in 30 states, it remains legal to fire employees because of their gender identity. And in schools nationwide, transgender children face the torment of bullying. We are hopeful that the example shown by the military will lead other institutions to be similarly inclusive. We also call on Congress to pass the Equality Act, to ensure that gender identity and sexual orientation are included among the classes protected from discrimination under federal law.

The Reform Jewish Movement is proud of our commitment to the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. We strive to make our synagogues, communities, summer camps and all our institutions inclusive and welcoming. The spark of the Divine is present in each person yet we remain unique, each possessing special gifts that make us who we are. We are pleased that the Pentagon has chosen to welcome those gifts and all that transgender service members contribute to our nation."

The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the Washington office of the Union for Reform Judaism, whose nearly 900 congregations across North America encompass 1.5 million Reform Jews, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, whose membership includes more than 2,000 Reform rabbis. Visit www.rac.org for more.