Pelosi Statement on Defense Department Delaying Transgender Enlistment

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced a six-month delay on allowing openly transgender individuals to enlist in the military:

"The Trump Defense Department's decision insults the brave, honorable service of the transgender Americans already serving openly in our armed forces.

"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. Continuing to bar transgender Americans from enlisting needlessly turns away exceptional men and women who just want to do their part to defend our freedoms.

"No one with the strength and bravery to serve in the U.S. military should be turned away merely because they are transgender."

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