PHILADELPHIA—Mayor Jim Kenney and Director of the Office of LGBT Affairs Amber Hikes have released the following statements regarding President Trump’s decision to ban transgender people from serving in any capacity in the Armed Forces.

Mayor Kenney: “President Trump’s announcement that he will ban transgender people from serving in the military in any capacity violates the civil rights of thousands of transgender troops currently serving in the military. This is about much more than military service. It is a discriminatory attack on trans individuals which serves to promote a hateful agenda and deny people of their humanity.”

Director of the Office LGBT Affairs Amber Hikes: “The people of this nation will not stand for government-sanctioned bigotry and blatant transphobia. In Philadelphia, we will continue to fight back to ensure people of trans experience have every possible right and protection under the law. The Mayor’s Office condemns this shameful and ill-considered action and will continue to stand in solidarity with our transgender brothers, sisters, and gender nonconforming siblings, whether military or civilian.

“To our transgender community members – we see you, we love you, and we are here for you. We are strong, and as a community, we will continue to resist hatred and discrimination of any kind.”