WASHINGTON – With the publication of a study on transgender military service released today by the Palm Center, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Vice President for Government Affairs Allison Herwitt released the following statement:

“Current Pentagon regulations on transgender service are a de facto ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy.  As the Palm Center study demonstrates, such a policy is entirely without medical or military justification.  And, like DADT, this approach keeps skilled, hard-working transgender Americans from serving their country and keeping the jobs they've been trained to do. Furthermore, it leaves transgender and gender non-conforming people who are serving vulnerable to harassment, sexual violence, and other abuse, with no recourse to command authorities.  Our military, like employers across the United States, is best served by ensuring every qualified and talented individual can serve, without regard to gender identity.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

###