The President of the United States, Donald Trump, revealed on Twitter yesterday that members of the transgender community will not be allowed to join or serve in the U.S. army. Trump's statements have shocked many and raised questions as to whether or not current serving members who are transgender will be ousted from military service.
The President's announcement comes just after the approval of a bill in the state of Texas, which is seeking to legally control the use of public bathrooms and other amenities in terms of gender.
Both of these moves are being supported by Republicans and those who hold conservative views. According to the Washington Times, the announcement has caused uproar amongst human rights groups and civil rights activists. The news site reported that the American Civil Liberties Union said it was an unbelievable and futile act.
President makes announcement on Twitter
The President released a number of tweets after speaking with his team of Army Generals and "experts" stating Transgender People will not be allowed to join the U.S. military services. Reuters reported that many people are questioning how Trump is planning to legally remove transgender military members from duty.
According to Reuters, the president spoke about vouching for groups who are discriminated against due to sexual orientation or identification during his 2016 presidential campaign. The Guardian reported that White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders is defending the President, saying that he still supports the LGBTQ community.
Trump reversed acts put in place by Obama to protect transgender students
However, this is not the first time the president has outwardly displayed discrimination against the transgender community. In February 2017, Trump reversed guidelines put in place by the former president of the United States, Barrack Obama, allowing students who identified as a specific gender to use the bathroom facilities they felt most comfortable using.
Obama had introduced this during his time in office in an attempt to bring about equality in schools and discourage bullying.
Transgender reality TV show star Caitlyn Jenner, who claimed his decision was a “disaster” and that his promise to protect the LGBTQ was not being met, released a video on Twitter expressing her views at the time. Celebrities have taken to Twitter again in response to Trump's current move, with stars such as George Takei, Andy Cohen, Mia Farrow, and St. Vincent all expressing their shock at the President's announcement.