U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today issued following statement on Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s decision to lift the ban on transgender service in the military:
“I congratulate Secretary Carter for making the decision today to lift the ban on transgender service in the military, ending this outdated and discriminatory policy. Service members who are willing to die for our country deserve to be allowed to live and serve openly and the only thing that should matter is an individual’s ability to serve. I will do everything I can to support the Pentagon as it implements this new policy and I will work with Secretary Carter to ensure that the process is implemented effectively.”