Thread by @LambdaLegal

BREAKING: The @WhiteHouse just released its proposed "plan" (if you can even call it that) to implement @realDonaldTrump's transgender military ban. bit.ly/2Gj9687

And the @DeptofDefense "report" (we're using that term only because they are): bit.ly/2GmDjTO

This is nothing more than a transparent ruse cobbled together with spittle and duct tape designed solely to try to mask discrimination. A plan to implement an unconstitutional decree is an unconstitutional plan.

Our full statement on this new "plan." bit.ly/2GnwQZ7

Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden.

Also adding General Mattis's memo from yesterday to this thread, if you'd like to read it. bit.ly/2GmErH2

REMINDER: We'll be arguing against @realDonaldTrump's #TransMilitaryBan in court on Tuesday (3/27) with @OutServeSLDN. We're not going to stop fighting this just because an unconstitutional plan was released to implement an unconstitutional decree (that was made via Twitter).

We and @OutServeSLDN represent @HRC, @GenderJusticeWA, @LGBTMilPartners, and 9 individual plaintiffs.

6 courts have (temporarily) blocked the #TransMilitaryBan from taking effect. But every day that this unconstitutional ban is being litigated is another day of uncertainty for THOUSANDS of trans service members and trans people seeking to enlist. It's not okay.

Despite this new "report," @realDonaldTrump and his administration have been able to produce approx...🤔uh... NO legitimate evidence proving that trans service members are a detriment. (Also it's pretty clear he didn’t consult anyone before announcing it.) bzfd.it/2GiuD0J

It's no real surprise that the @DeptofDefense has tried to clean up the ugly mess that @realDonaldTrump created last summer. But, at the end of the day, they are following the clear marching orders that they have received from the @WhiteHouse.

This "plan" still categorically excludes transgender people for no legitimate reason. This ban is exactly what MULTIPLE federal courts have ALREADY issued nationwide preliminary injunctions against.

We will continue to fight this ban (however @realDonaldTrump, @VP, & whoever else tries to package it) until this irrational and discriminatory policy is stamped out once and for all. Full stop.

The principal requirement for serving in defense of our country is the ability to do the job well. Any other interpretation is, well...

Department of Already Asked and Answered: There is NO need for a new study or "report" to determine the impact of trans troops. How do we know? Because WE 👏🏽 AL 👏🏽READ 👏🏽 Y 👏🏽 STUD 👏🏽 IED 👏🏽 IT 👏🏽rand.org/pubs/research_…

Department of Unsurprising: A key takeaway from the (already! completed!) study on #transgender troops & military readiness: “The Costs of Gender Transition–Related Health Care Treatment Are Relatively Low” #TransMilitaryBan

ALSO FROM THE STUDY: “Previous Integration Efforts and the Experiences of Foreign Militaries Indicate a Minimal Likely Impact on Force Readiness” #TransMilitaryBan

Six of our clients are currently serving. They have faced difficult missions, dangerous assignments, and given their ALL in service to our country. To leave their futures hanging in limbo when they have already given so much is just disgusting, @realDonaldTrump.

The three individuals we represent who hope to enlist each have a strong familial legacy of service. They deserve the opportunity to try and carry on those legacies. An utterly-baseless, bigoted “policy” must not stand in their way.

.@realDonaldTrump & @VP's attacks on transgender people and our military are just more of the same ol’ 💩 from a homophobic, transphobic administration that keeps LOSING in the courts and trying to rig the game.

See you in court (on Tuesday), @realDonaldTrump.

MEDIA ADVISORY: If you're a reporter writing on this, we're hosting a press conference call with @HRC, @OutServeSLDN, @LGBTMilPartners, & @GenderJusticeWA in approximately one minute. bit.ly/2GgrIWB