COLLINS, GILLIBRAND APPLAUD GENERAL LLOYD AUSTIN’S COMMITMENT TO OVERTURNING BAN ON TRANSGENDER MILITARY SERVICE

Washington, D.C. – Addressing the testimony of retired General Lloyd Austin before the Senate Armed Services Committee, in which he committed to overturning the ban on transgender people serving in the military, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), issued the following statement:

“After years of fighting to overturn the ban on open transgender military service, we welcome and applaud Mr. Austin’s support for overturning the discriminatory prohibition on transgender people serving in our military. Individuals who are willing to put on the uniform of our country and risk their lives to defend our freedoms should be received with commendation, not prejudice. We are proud that our armed services will once again embrace the principle that anyone who can meet the military’s standard should be allowed to serve, regardless of gender identity.”

Video of Austin’s testimony can be found here.

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