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Today, Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) issued the following statement as the Trump Administration ban on transgender servicemembers takes effect.

“Today is a sad day for our country. Denying the honorable service of patriotic Americans based on who they are is beneath the decency of the American values that we try to uphold," said Crist. "The trans ban is just plain wrong. Those willing to put their lives on the line and answer the call to fight for our freedom – regardless of gender – are who make America great. We should treat them with nothing but the utmost respect and gratitude.

"My message for the trans and gender-nonconforming community is this. I see you. I hear you. I respect you – just as you are. I’m grateful for all of our friends in St. Pete, Gulfport, and all over Pinellas. You are part of our American family. Regardless of whether you served, are serving, considered serving, or did not, I imagine today must particularly sting. Do not lose hope. We will continue to fight this, and in the end, justice will prevail.”

Earlier this month, Crist held Pentagon officials accountable for the implementation of the transgender ban. He also recently confronted Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson over his failure to protect trans persons experiencing homelessness. A champion for the LGBT community, Representative Crist is a proud member of the LGBT Equality Caucus and an original cosponsor of the Equality Act.