Through his a series of tweets last year Donald Trump made his intentions known regarding Transgender eligibility in the U.S Armed Forces. It appears that he is one step closer to putting those measures into place.
Since posting these tweets, the Trump Administration began drawing up policy to put his words into action. Fast forward to present day, the policy recommendation has been finalized and Trump has quickly signed off on it, pending a congressional hearing.
The policy will allow Transgendered individuals who currently occupy a rank to remain in uniform, but they will have to submit to their sex assigned at birth. The policy also discriminates against all Trans personnel who have undergone top or bottom surgery or taken hormones.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis expressed his confidence in their arrangement:
“In my professional judgment, these policies will place the Department of Defense in the strongest position to protect the American people, to fight and win America’s wars, and to ensure the survival and success of our service members around the world,”
The statement evidently provoked a strong reaction from Gender Advocacy groups and members of the public alike. Irregardless of actual implementation, the policy write-up is clear step back in our fight for human rights and privileges.
[via NYT]