Leaders on Media Condemn and Applaud
There has been a vocal response to President Trump’s Tweet that he will be banning transgender people from the military, both supporting and attacking.
Religious conservatives have been identified as influencing the president to make the decision. The American Family Association and the Liberty Council, both Christian conservative groups, praised the decision. “I applaud the president for keeping his promise to return to military priorities,” stated Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
Conservatives also called out the Obama ruling allowing transgendered persons into the military. Pastor Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Church in Dallas said that Trump eliminated the “petri dish for social experimentation.”
Trump’s New Ban Unlocks Religious Anger and Praise [/tweetthis]
Evangelical Christians are President Trump’s strongest base of supporters. Vice President Pence, a born-again Evangelical Christian with a history of siding against LGBT legislation, was also cited as highly influential on the decision.
The connection between religious conservatives and President Trump has grown recently. He had a highly publicized prayer with Christian leaders and Jared Kushner received support from religious leaders.
A huge, huge win for sexual normalcy in public and military policy. And a win for national security. https://t.co/R5yn1dmca3
— Rev. Bryan Fischer – Host, Bryan Fischer Podcast (@BryanJFischer) July 26, 2017
Other religious leaders have strongly opposed. Rabbi Jack Moline, President of Interfaith Alliance called the ban “outrageous and bigoted.” The Reverend James Martin, a Jesuit Priest called transgendered people “beloved children of god.”
"Jews remain in solidarity with all our servicemembers, cis & trans alike"—our CEO Stosh Cotler #ProtectTransTroops https://t.co/1HaLpGCZIT
— Bend the Arc: Jewish Action (@jewishaction) July 26, 2017
This mirrors a similar religious conflict over Canada legislation giving more legal protection from discrimination to trans individuals.