July 26, 2017
Washington, D.C. — The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, has issued the following statement in reaction to President Trump’s declaration that the American armed services will no longer “accept or allow” transgender Americans to serve their country “in any capacity”:
“Transgender Americans are a vital part of every facet of American life, from growing our businesses to keeping our families safe through military service. This reversal of policy is blatant discrimination against those brave transgender citizens willing to serve, and even die for, their country.
The previous administration ended an 18-year ban on gays & lesbians serving openly in the military, ensured same-sex partner benefits, and expanded workplace protections to LGBT federal contractors throughout the service branches– citing moral and economic imperatives for doing so. The Trump administration must realize what damage blocking America’s transgender service members will do for our military readiness and economic health.”
Statement to be attributed to NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson and NGLCC Co-Founder & CEO Chance MItchell.
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ABOUT NGLCC
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT- owned businesses. www.nglcc.org @nglcc
NGLCC MEDIA CONTACT
Jonathan Lovitz
Senior Vice President
jlovitz@nglcc.org
@jdlovitz
954.695.5896
