Trump-Pence Administration's Implementation Plan is a Continuance of the Same

OutServe-SLDN and Lambda Legal emphasize the Trump-Pence Administration's implementation plan is the same categorical ban on open transgender service that has been pursued since August.

WASHINGTON - March 25, 2018 – On Friday, the Trump-Pence administration announced an implementation plan for a ban on transgender military service. In response, OutServe-SLDN immediately joined two other leading lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military advocates in condemning the administration's heinous and continued push to implement a categorical ban on military service that is both unsound and unwarranted. Today, the organization releases a statement that focuses on this plan's ramifications and effect on the legal changes brought against the ban.   

"The President's action was a foregone conclusion, and the result is the same ban that has already been repeatedly enjoined," said Peter Perkowski, Legal Director of OutServe-SLDN. "The Pentagon merely delivered a recommendation that the President asked for back in August-namely, that transgender people be categorically prohibited from serving. Anything the Pentagon is using to support this announcement is just transparent window dressing developed for the express purpose of justifying the President's demand from last summer. It is worthless."  

" The implementation is a continuation of the same – a naked attack and ban on transgender service members and those who wish to serve. It dishonors the sacrifice and diminishes the lives of transgender men and women in uniform, by perpetuating the lie that transgender people are unit to serve," said Natalie Nardecchia, Senior Attorney with Lambda Legal. "It also provides a so-called choice that the government cannot require one to make – to live authentically and openly and get kicked out of the military, or conceal one's identity and continue to serve in silence. The ban continues to be enjoined by four courts and we will press on to end it once and for all."

"Today, we continue to advocate for our transgender members and stand tall to remind the world that justice always prevails," said Andy Blevins, Director of Law & Policy at OutServe-SLDN. "Our servicemembers, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve a commander-in-chief that will advocate for justice and equity on their behalf – this administration is failing in that respect. We call on Secretary Mattis to remember that under his military tenure he successfully led thousands of transgender troops, and to reject this categorical ban on the service of qualified patriots."

OutServe-SLDN and Lambda Legal are currently representing the American Military Partner Association, Human Rights Campaign, Gender Justice League, and nine individual plaintiffs in Karnoski v. Trump - one of four lawsuits challenging the transgender military ban in court.

OutServe-SLDN (OS-SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. With more than fifty chapters and 6,000 members around the world, OS-SLDN supports a professional network of LGBT military personnel and strives to create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.