NEW YORK, NY - Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan) the only openly-gay member of the State Senate, released the following statement in response to the implementation of the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, which goes into effect today:

Senator Hoylman said: “Trump’s transgender military ban is nothing short of state-sponsored discrimination. This is a cruel, arbitrary policy that only dehumanizes our transgender service members, who deserve our respect, and jeopardizes our national security.

New York stands with the transgender community and all those who wish to serve our country. To enshrine this commitment into law, the legislature should pass my Restoration of Honor Act (S45/A54), which would ensure that veterans who are discharged solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity are eligible for state benefits.

If Washington won’t stand up for the dignity of transgender Americans, it is up to New York to set an example.”