Skip to main content

Foster Statement on Trump’s Ban of Transgender Individuals in the Military

July 26, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on President Trump's proposed ban of transgender individuals in the military:

"Transgender individuals serve our country honorably and are vital to our national security at home and abroad. If implemented, this new bigoted policy would only make us less safe," Foster said. "I am proud to represent the 11th District of Illinois, which is home to a wonderful LGBTQ community. During his campaign, the President promised he would do everything to protect LGBTQ communities. It is a shame that he has broken this promise and now singles out members of this community as second class citizens. Just two weeks ago, Democrats and Republicans came together in the U.S. House to reject legislation that would have denied medical care to transgender individuals in the military. I call on Congress to continue to make sure our service members are welcome to serve regardless of who they love or what gender they identify as."