Duckworth slams Trump’s ‘discriminatory’ transgender military ban

Posted on July 27, 2017

By Eric Stock

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth has slammed what she calls President Trump’s ‘discriminatory’ attempt to block transgender solders from serving in the military.

The Democratic Senator says when her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq, “I didn’t care if the American troops risking their lives to help save me were gay, straight, transgender or anything else.

“All that mattered was they didn’t leave me behind. If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, you should be able to serve, no matter your gender identity, sexual orientation or race. Anything else is discriminatory and counterproductive to our national security,” Duckworth said.

Duckworth lost both legs when the helicopter she was flying was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in 2004.

“Our armed forces are stronger when it fully embraces the American ideals of equality and inclusiveness,” she added.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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