Democrats help Senate GOP pass defense bill with anti-trans provisions

[Jessica_Rose]

Democrats help Senate GOP pass defense bill with anti-trans provisions

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/10/democrats-help-senate-gop-pass-defense-bill-with-anti-trans-provisions/ 🔗

Greg Owen (10 Oct 2025)

Amid a federal government shutdown now in its tenth day, the U.S. Senate on Thursday voted through its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with 26 Democrats voting to secure its passage, despite its anti-transgender and anti-DEI riders.

The Senate's version of the NDAA passed after a marathon amendment vote. It includes a ban on trans athletes participating in sports at military academies, a ban on Defense Department funding for gender-affirming surgeries, and a measure aligning the military with President Trump's assault on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts).

The anti-trans measures included in the legislation — that more than two dozen Democrats voted for — will have ripple effects beyond the military.

The ban on trans athletes at military academies extends to visiting students in intercollegiate competitions, forcing Republicans' MAGA trans animus on private and state schools in the bargain.

And the DoD ban on gender-affirming surgeries will likely extend to defense contractors' healthcare plans, as well.

The Senate bill now heads to negotiations with the House. Their version has even more culture war baggage, including an all-ages ban on health coverage for gender-affirming care, a ban on trans athletes at all military facilities, a transphobic bathroom ban on military bases, a ban on Pride flags at all DoD facilities, and the end of gender identity data collection.

[Lori Dee]

I wish we had a political party that required its members to have a spine. They always seem to be happy to sell out some minority in the interest of "negotiations".

Dear Elected Officials (yes, all of you),

My rights are non-negotiable. PERIOD.

[Robbyv213]

Very sad and disappointing.... I hope every senator, and congressmen have to really fight to keep their jobs in the up coming elections and mid terms... Obviously if they're good then I have no doubt they will have any issues getting re-elected, if they're bad and people are becoming more and more upset with the issues and policies they pass and go.along with then so long.

My only concern is how much damage will be done by that time, assuming we can manage an election that is not tampered with.