1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I strongly oppose the proposed Ensuring Military Readiness Act (SB435). This legislation unfairly discriminates against transgender individuals who wish to serve in our nation's Armed Forces. Barring qualified personnel based solely on their gender identity is not only unethical but also detrimental to military readiness and national security. The bill's requirement that transgender service members remain "stable with their sex" for 36 months is an arbitrary and harmful restriction. Gender identity is a deeply personal and complex aspect of an individual's identity, and imposing such rigid conditions fails to account for the diversity of human experience. Furthermore, denying necessary medical care, including gender transition procedures, to those already serving is a violation of their fundamental rights and wellbeing. All service members, regardless of gender identity, should have access to comprehensive healthcare to ensure their physical and mental readiness. Rather than promoting discrimination, our military policies should prioritize the recruitment and retention of talented individuals who meet the rigorous standards of service. Transgender Americans have served honorably in our Armed Forces, and their sacrifices and contributions should be celebrated, not marginalized. I urge you to reject this misguided legislation and instead work towards fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all who wish to defend our nation's values of freedom and equality. Our military's strength lies in its diversity, and embracing all qualified individuals is crucial to maintaining our national security.