1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

Senators who voted for this defense bill have directly undermined the wellbeing of transgender youth and betrayed the trust of military families. Stripping away access to medically necessary healthcare for transgender children is a cruel, discriminatory act that endangers vulnerable young lives. This provision shamefully targets and marginalizes transgender military kids whose parents serve and sacrifice for this nation. By enabling such blatant transphobia, these senators have turned their backs on core values of equality and human rights that should guide ethical policymaking. Their reckless support for this harmful measure warrants unequivocal condemnation.