Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on Donald Trump’s decision to ban transgender individuals from serving in the armed forces.

“Donald Trump’s decision to ban transgender individuals from the armed forces insults the principle that all Americans, regardless of their gender identity, have the right to participate fully in our civil society. This change in policy represents an attempt to define transgender people as “the other,” whose interests are not entitled to respect. We have recently witnessed a dramatic increase in hate crimes against the transgender community and other minorities, without a word of disapproval from Donald Trump. This ban continues his effort to divide-and-conquer the American people. I reject that attack on our rights, and I am prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with transgender individuals across this nation. On this very day in 1948, President Truman signed an executive order desegregating the armed forces – extending opportunities to millions of Americans who had been excluded. Today, we must once again stand on the right side of history, and defend the brave individuals who want to serve our nation without fear of discrimination.”

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