WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement on July 26 after President Donald Trump announced his decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military “in any capacity.”
“President Trump stated on the campaign trail that he would be an ally to LGBTQ people, but today’s announcement is yet another broken promise to the American people. It is yet another attempt to divide the country, this time by attacking the LGBTQ community. After rolling back protections for transgender youth, the president has now attacked the brave and patriotic transgender Americans who are voluntarily serving in the military to protect our country and our freedoms.
“President Trump doesn’t understand that our military is stronger when there are no discriminatory barriers to service. The civil and human rights community will continue to loudly and proudly stand up for the rights of all who are willing to protect the security of our country, including the thousands of transgender people currently serving in our military.”
Gupta and released the following statement following the filing of an amicus brief on July 26 by the Sessions Justice Department, arguing that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation:
“In the second Trump administration attack on LGBT rights today, the Sessions Justice Department filed a legal brief arguing that our landmark federal employment discrimination law, Title VII, does not protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The Trump administration’s court filing contravenes recent court decisions and guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that recognizes such protection. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights proudly stands with LGBT Americans and their allies who seek relief from discrimination in our judicial system.”
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit civilrights.org.
