BREAKING: Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dunford Opposes Transgender Military Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 26, 2017 - Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest organization of LGBT military families, responded to testimony from Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dunford indicating he opposes President Trump's transgender military ban. 

Dunford told the Senate Armed Services Committee today, "I believe that any individual who meets the physical and mental standards … should be afforded the opportunity to continue to serve." As reported by the Military Times, "He added that he had previously given that advice to administration officials in private in the past, and told senators he would continue to give that advice if lawmakers allow him to continue in his leadership post for two more years."

"General Dunford is absolutely right. Any qualified American should be able to serve their country, and that includes transgender people," said AMPA President Ashley Broadway-Mack. "President Trump is clearly not listening to military leadership on this issue, which is deeply troubling on so many levels. Our service members deserve the support of their commander in chief."

AMPA recently joined a lawsuit challenging Trump's transgender military ban in court. Karnoski v. Trump is brought by Lambda Legal and OutServe-SLDN on behalf of several transgender individuals, AMPA, the Human Rights Campaign, and Gender Justice League.

The American Military Partner Association (AMPA) is the nation's largest non-profit organization of LGBT military spouses, their families, and allies. With more than 50,000 members and supporters, AMPA is committed to education, advocacy, and support for "modern military families." For more information, visit www.MilitaryPartners.org