ATLANTA – State Representatives Park Cannon (D-Atlanta), Sam Park (D-Lawrenceville) and Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) today commended the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their support of open military service for transgender people.
“Like all American soldiers, Georgia’s transgender service members also selflessly stand in harm’s way to defend our country,” said Rep. Cannon. “Transgender military service has no adverse effect on our country’s military strength or budget. On the contrary, transgender people of color prove to be allegiant Americans who add great value to the U.S. Armed Forces, and I strongly support their ability to serve.”
“Our country’s veteran and active-duty transgender service members have made and continue to make great sacrifices for our country, and each of our soldiers must be treated with honor, respect and equality, regardless of gender identity,” said Rep. Park. “Transgender people, like all Americans, should be given the opportunity to proudly serve their country, and I oppose any action that would ban transgender individuals from military service.”
“Thousands of transgender Americans serve in the U.S. military, and these brave soldiers put their lives on the line daily to protect the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Rep. Waites. “An estimated 15,000 transgender people serve in the U.S. military today, and banning these patriotic Americans from service greatly weakens our country’s military readiness. I’m deeply thankful for all who have served as U.S. military members, and I’m proud support our country’s transgender service men and women.”
President Donald Trump recently announced that the United States would no longer accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in the U.S. military.
Representative Park Cannon represents the citizens of District 58, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2016, and currently serves on the Code Revision, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance, and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Samuel Park represents the citizens of District 101, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2016, and currently serves on the Industry and Labor, Intragovernmental Coordination, and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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