Governor Kate Brown is responding to today’s news that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed restrictions on transgender personnel in the military.
The high court’s decision – on a 5 to 4 vote – grants a stay of two lower court injunctions that had previously blocked the Trump Administration from keeping people who’ve undergone a gender transition from enlisting.
Speaking to reporters at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Governor Brown said the ruling won’t affect her own policy.
“Not in Oregon," laughed Brown. "I am the commander-in-chief over the Oregon National Guard. I will continue to welcome all Oregonians that are eligible, and sexual orientation is not a factor.”
The Obama Administration had opened the way for transgender personnel. But after Trump’s inauguration, the president moved to delay the July 1st, 2017 enlistment date. Critics sued, and the administration lost early legal battles. But now with the Supreme Court ruling, Trump’s ban on transgender members can take effect.
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