Pentagon Issues Policies for Open Service by Transgender Troops
executive order that lifted Donald Trump’s ban.The policies, which go into effect April 30, ban discrimination based on gender identity or transgender status, provide a means to join the military in one’s self-identified gender once all appropriate standards are met, and make medically necessary treatment and gender recognition available to all service members, according to a Defense Department press release.
The 30-day window is designed to give each branch of the armed forces time to update its own policies and provide guidance to commanders, troops, medical professionals, and others.“There is no place for violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics,” Pentagon Press.
