Washington Post: Military to allow transgender members to serve openly
The Pentagon announced Monday that it will allow transgender members of the military to serve openly starting next year, marking an end to a long-standing policy that barred them from the armed forces.
In an echo of the Defense Department’s repeal of the ban on gays in uniform four years ago, Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said he had directed the armed forces to devise new rules over the next six months that would allow transgender troops to serve, except in situations “where objective, practical impediments are identified.”
“We must ensure that everyone who’s able and willing to serve has the full and equal opportunity to do so, and we must treat all our people with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Carter said in a statement. He called the military’s current regulations “outdated” and said they were “causing uncertainty that distracts commanders from our core missions.”
Update #1: Pentagon announces plan to lift ban on transgender individuals serving in military -- FOX News/AP
Update #2: U.S. military considers lifting ban on transgender service members -- UPI
WNU Editor: This is not your grandfather's military anymore.
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