Transgender Troops: Georgia State Reps Commend Joint Chiefs For Support

ATLANTA, GA -- Three Georgia state representatives commended the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their support of openly-serving transgender people in the military.

Though President Trump made his desire to ban transgender service members known, military officials say they require an order through proper channels, not a Tweet. Some high-ranking military officials have also voiced their opposition to Trump's proposed ban.

Marine General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said "There will be no modifications to the current policy until the President's direction has been received by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary has issued implementation guidance.

"In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect," he said, according to NPR. "As importantly, given the current fight and the challenges we face, we will all remain focused on accomplishing our assigned missions."

Georgia State Representatives including Park Cannon (D-Atlanta), Sam Park (D-Lawrenceville) and Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) voiced their support for military officials pushing back against Trump's ban.

"Like all American soldiers, Georgia’s transgender service members also selflessly stand in harm’s way to defend our country," said Rep. Cannon, according to a press release from the Georgia House of Representatives. “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," she said.

Rep. Park said "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."

"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."

Watch: Head Of Coast Guard 'Will Not Break Faith' With Transgender Personnel

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