Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the military may have distracted attention from another action by the federal government. The Department of Justice, also on Wednesday, filed a legal brief in an ongoing court case in which the DOJ argued that Civil Rights protections do not extend to job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Sit with that a moment.
There is plenty to be outraged about for all who are LGBTQ. Both actions should also be read as a warning that the vulnerable among us are all at risk for whatever action leadership might take. Whether that is a health care plan that disproportionately punishes women, the poor, the disabled, children, or those who live with chronic illness. Whether it is a renewed effort to pursue incarceration policies that have proven to be profoundly damaging to communities of color while also being ineffective.
We cannot assume that any justice issue that we previously thought was settled will remain that way.
Time and time again, people of faith are called on to love and protect one another and to see the face of our Creator in each other. The ongoing effort to scapegoat those who have lived so long at the margins is as disturbing as it is transparent.
Sen. Tillis has spoken against the President’s policy. In your calls to him about health care, please express your appreciation for his recognition that all who serve are valued.
Sen. Burr does not appear to have offered an opinion.
Senator Tillis can be reached at 202-224-6342, and Senator Burr’s number is 202-224-3154.
