Crain's Chicago: Illinois Dems outraged over Trump's ban on transgender soldiers

This article was published on July 26, 2017. A link to the article can be found here.

By Greg Hinz

Illinois Democratic members of Congress are reacting with absolute, unrestrained bile to today's tweet by President Donald Trump that the U.S. military no longer will "accept or allow" transgender people in their ranks.

So far, members of the GOP delegation are saying almost nothing at all. (See an update at the end of this story for more.)

"When my Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq, I didn't care if the American troops risking their lives to help save me were gay, straight, transgender or anything else," said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs in the crash. "All that mattered was that they didn't leave me behind."

She added in her statement, "If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, you should be able to serve. . . .Anything else is discriminatory and counterproductive to our national security."

"Our national security is too important for Republicans to insert their agenda of intolerance," said Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson. "Any American who stands up and volunteers to serve this great nation deserves our respect. The decision by President Trump to stop allowing trans individuals to serve in our armed forces is disgusting, stupid and runs counter to our American values."

Said North Side Rep. Mike Quigley: "With at least 6,000 transgender active-duty service members and reservists, this decision is just as alienating as it is cruel and unnecessary. Requiring transgender service members to suppress their authentic selves undermines their tremendous sacrifices and contributions. We cannot and will not stand by as the president seeks to prioritize discrimination and bigotry over the safety of our nation."

And from Geneva Rep. Bill Foster: "During his campaign, the president promised he would do everything to protect LGBTQ communities. It is a shame that he has broken this promise and now singles out members of this community as second-class citizens."

The issue even seeped into the race for Illinois governor.

Said Democratic hopeful Chris Kennedy: "It's a disgrace that someone who didn't serve his country would stop others who volunteered from doing so. Donald Trump's announcement today is inhumane and a violation of our civil rights. Our government should be one that provides all Americans independence from oppression and persecution. Instead, Trump continues to lead through bigotry, while attempting to distract us from his disgusting push to take away our health care."

I'll let you know if any Chicago-area Republicans comment.

But Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain of Arizona released a statement saying transgender people who already are in the military should be "treated as the patriots they are" and called the tweet, which referenced the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" such people cause, as "yet another example of why major policy announcements should not be made via Twitter."