Sean Patrick Maloney: “Our country is at war. Our troops overseas are risking their lives to protect our lives and our rights as United States…”

“Our country is at war. Our troops overseas are risking their lives to protect our lives and our rights as United States citizens. Unfortunately, in Saudi Arabia we have seen servicewomen who have lost their rights to wear their military-issued uniforms as they are protecting our rights. Instead, while fighting to protect our freedom and democracy, these women are being encouraged and sometimes required to wear an abaya. For those of us who are not familiar with it, it is a long black robe that covers a woman from head to toe. Requiring women to wear this garment discriminates against them and violates their religious freedom by forcing them to adopt another faith's garb. It does not increase the safety and security of U.S. interests. Instead, it works against them. By discriminating against women in the military, we undermine the authority of officers stationed in Saudi Arabia and diminish morale among servicewomen.”