EQCA - Equality California

12/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/11/2024 16:14

Statement on Anti Transgender Amendment in Must Pass Federal Defense Spending Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2024

CONTACT: Jorge Reyes Salinas, Equality California
PHONE: (213) 355-3057/MOBILE: (213) 355-3057/EMAIL: press@eqca.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang following today's vote on the annual spending bill for the U.S. Department of Defense in the House of Representatives - which currently contains an anti-transgender amendment that would ban access to certain healthcare:

"Far-right extremists, newly emboldened by their historically narrow majority in Congress, are escalating their relentless attacks on transgender people. This time, they're targeting military families by attempting to ban access to medically necessary healthcare for transgender dependents under 18. These youth make up just 0.1% of all young people served by the military's TRICARE program, yet anti-LGBTQ+ extremists remain fixated on discrimination.

Stripping gender-affirming healthcare from the family members of U.S. servicemembers during a time of acute geopolitical tensions is a travesty. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a critical piece of legislation that ensures our armed forces are equipped and prepared for modern warfare. This discriminatory rider has no place in this annual appropriations bill.

This cruel provision could force servicemembers to choose between remaining on active duty or ensuring their children receive essential care. We thank those members of the House who voted to reject this hateful amendment and stand in support of all military families. These brave individuals defend our nation - we must continue to defend their families' dignity and rights in return."

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Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org