Inslee statement on transgender service members

Summary 

"Washington is home to one of the nation’s largest active duty military populations with more than 100,000 active duty men, women and civilians working at our state’s six world-class military installations. President Trump’s announcement that he intends to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military is an insult to these service members and an affront to our nation’s values.

“Our nation’s security is enhanced by the inclusion of qualified men and women to serve, regardless of color, religion, orientation, birth place or gender. These men and women – as well as their families – dedicate their full lives and livelihoods to keeping Washington state and our homeland safe and secure. Each and every one of them is deserving of nothing less than our respect, our thanks and our commitment to support them in doing the best job they can. 

“It’s clear this president is as intent on building up walls within our nation as he is around it. Instead of continuing to break down barriers to ensure every man and woman is granted the opportunity to fulfill their potential, President Trump is cruelly putting those barriers back. I’m proud of the work we’ve been doing in Washington to support our LGBTQ community, and I am as resolute as ever in pushing back against the forces of division that threaten our progress. Washington will continue to allow transgender individuals to serve in the National Guard until the president’s tweet is made into an official order.”