Pentagon lifts ban on transgender military troops
Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Thursday that the military will no longer “discriminate” against transgender troops, knocking down one of the last barriers to service based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
The move, nearly a year in the making, came despite last-minute concerns were raised by top brass about how to deal with the medical, housing and uniform issues for troops who are transitioning to the other sex.
“This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force,” Carter said. “We’re talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a person’s qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission.”
The Pentagon, Carter said, needs “access to 100%” of our population to develop the military force the nation needs.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon removed the last barriers to women serving in frontline combat roles provided they meet physical standards. And five years ago, the military repealed its Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, which required gay and lesbian troops to hide their sexual orientation or face discharge.
Last July, Carter announced that a study group had been chartered to examine the issues raised by lifting the ban. He also ordered that decisions on discharging troops with gender dysphoria had to be raised to senior Pentagon officials, essentially ending the practice of ending the careers of transgender troops from service for medical reasons.
