In response to President Trump’s announcement that he will ban transgender people from serving in the military, Interfaith Alliance president Rabbi Jack Moline issued the following response:

“President Trump’s outrageous and bigoted ban on transgender people in the military is a gift to the Religious Right and an affront to the Constitution. Thousands of transgender Americans serve admirably in our nation’s armed services. The President’s announcement is a cruel and gratuitous attack on these service members who want nothing more than an equal opportunity to serve their country.

“President Trump has demonstrated yet again that when he carries water for the Religious Right, our civil rights and liberties pay the price. For the nation’s sake, President Trump needs to stop imposing new ‘bans’ on vulnerable minority groups and instead get his own affairs in order.”

Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.