In response to the Trump administration’s announcement that it will ban most transgender persons from serving in military, DNC Chair Tom Perez, DNC National Finance Chair Henry Muñoz, DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes, and DNC Treasurer Bill Derrough, who was prevented from serving as a military officer because he was openly gay, released this statement:

“This decision is an insult to our brave transgender service members and all who wear our nation’s uniform. Instead of fulfilling his oath to protect the American people, Donald Trump and Mike Pence are putting our nation’s security at risk and shoving real American patriots back in the closet.

“Discrimination is not a national security strategy. That’s why military officials, members of both parties, and our justice system have opposed the president’s senseless ban. Those who defend our right to live freely should be able to serve freely. And Democrats will keep fighting for the transgender community and all those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation.”