The dangerous “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” Executive Order signed yesterday and orders to rescind LGBTQ+ rights and diversity initiatives harm and discriminate against LGBTQ+ people — many of whom are women.

Keshet and National Council of Jewish Women condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the Presidential Actions signed yesterday which threaten to jeopardize the safety and dignity of trans, nonbinary, and intersex people, and the LGBTQ+ community more broadly. On Inauguration Day — a day that should have been dedicated to uniting our country — the President instead chose to try to divide us. 

In addition to the multiple actions rescinding all previous orders protecting diversity initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights, we are alarmed by the executive order singling out and opposing gender diversity and transgender identity as a whole. Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government states that it “is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.” 

Let us be clear: we are all created in God’s image, B’tzelem Elohim. These actions are designed to instigate fear and hatred. Executive orders are not law — they will be challenged. The Jewish community overwhelmingly supports LGBTQ+ equality and is committed to protecting, supporting, and welcoming the LGBTQ+ community. We will fight this harmful discrimination in the courts, in Congress, and through the regulatory process, with our many coalition partners to ensure equality and justice.

Keshet CEO & President Idit Klein said: “We want to say to all of the trans and nonbinary people in our communities: we are here for you, we are with you, we are fighting for you. We will continue to believe in and work toward a vision of a country that affirms the dignity of every single person.”

NCJW CEO Sheila Katz said: “We are heartbroken and outraged by this attack on the trans community, unjustly framed as ‘protecting women.’ Women are not protected by harming trans people. We reject divisive narratives and stand in unwavering solidarity with our beloved LGBTQ+ community. Our advocacy for women’s rights is inseparable from our unwavering commitment to ensuring every LGBTQ+ person can live authentically, without fear or discrimination. We will not rest until that future is a reality for all.”

Keshet Director of Education & Training Rabbi Micah Buck said: “Attempts to criminalize and erase  trans people will not make us go away. We are here. We always have been. And as we fight for our safety, our dignity, and our lives, we need our allies to join us.” 

Efforts to legalize discrimination against some of the most vulnerable communities in our country are not only at odds with our Jewish values, but are dangerous and divisive. Keshet and NCJW leaders and advocates across the country will redouble our efforts to fight for full and equal access to public spaces, programs, and institutions for everyone.

ABOUT KESHET

Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity. By strengthening Jewish communities and equipping Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge they need to make all LGBTQ+ Jews feel welcome, we work to ensure the full equality of all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families in Jewish life. We also create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued and advance LGBTQ+ rights nationwide. Visit keshetonline.org to join us.

ABOUT NCJW

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is the oldest Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel.Through the efforts of our 225,000 grassroots advocates and 49 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels.

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