Pelosi Statement on Reports of Defense Department Request to Delay Transgender Enlistment

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Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on news reports the Department of Defense is considering a six-month delay on allowing openly transgender individuals to enlist in the military:

“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2010 showed that we only strengthen our military by honoring our values of freedom and equality.  Equality for transgender Americans who want to enlist is progress that honors our values and strengthens our military.

“Openly transgender Americans are already serving with honor and courage in our armed forces.  We hope Secretary Mattis will follow through with the Defense Department’s July 1 implementation date for open enlistment.  Continuing to bar transgender men and women from enlisting needlessly turns away exceptional Americans who just want to do their part to defend our freedoms.

“No one with the strength and bravery to serve in our armed forces should be turned away simply because they are transgender.  The Trump Administration must not put discrimination ahead of the national defense.”