Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus Statement on the Passage of the NDAA
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus issued the following statement following the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in Congress, specifically the provision banning military health care from covering gender-affirming care for the transgender children of service members:
“We ask members of the military to risk their lives for our freedoms, so it is hypocrisy at the highest level to pass a bill banning their freedoms to make medical decisions for their own families. Medical decisions must be left to doctors and families, not politicians, and we express our deep disappointment with the passage of the NDAA, which includes the elimination of necessary healthcare for minor children of military personnel.
“The decision to remove healthcare from transgender children of military members is not only unconscionable, but it also signals a dangerous increased political will to allow government interference in our personal lives. It is fueled by misinformation and the dehumanization of our community. Banning gender-affirming care for minors will cause real and devastating consequences for these young people.
“The Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus will continue standing up for individual rights and freedoms and we call on our colleagues nationwide to make more thoughtful, responsible decisions. We want to thank Representatives Craig, McCollum, and Omar for their commitment to protecting rights and access to healthcare and for voting against this bill.”
The Queer Caucus is composed of members of the Minnesota State House and Senate who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. The Queer Caucus works to advance and protect the rights of the whole Queer community, as well as the rights of our intersecting communities.
###