Democrat Bill Seeks to Ensure Transgender People Can Serve in US Military

U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Battalion prepare for a Warrior Shield live fire exercise at a military training field in Pocheon, South Korea, on March 22, 2023. Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images

Democratic lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Defense from discriminating against or barring transgender individuals from serving in the military.

Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) introduced the bill on Monday with the support of 22 Democratic co-sponsors. Though a full-text version of the legislation is not yet available, Jacobs said its purpose is to “prevent future discriminatory policies” against transgender military service members.