From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
WASHINGTON D.C. –President Donald Trump issued an order on Friday banning transgender people from serving in the military with a few exceptions.
“Among other things, the policies set forth by the Secretary of Defense state that transgender persons with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria — individuals who the policies state may require substantial medical treatment, including medications and surgery — are disqualified from military service except under certain limited circumstances,” according to a statement from the White House.
The move comes after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sent Trump a memo regarding suggesting the policies that should be implemented.
“Based on the work of the Panel and the Department’s best military judgement, the Department of Defense concludes that there are substantial risks associated with allowing the accession and retention of individuals with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria and require, or have already undertaken, a course of treatment to change their gender, the memo said.
“Furthermore, the Department also finds that exempting such persons from well-established mental health, physical health, and sex-based standards, which apply to all Service members, including transgender Service members without gender dysphoria, could undermine readiness, disrupt unit cohesion, and impose an unreasonable burden of the military that is mot conductive to military effectiveness and lethality.”
The Department of Justice issued a statement defending the decision by the Department of Defense.
“After comprehensive study and analysis, the Secretary of Defense concluded that new policies should be adopted regarding individuals with gender dysphoria that are consistent with military effectiveness and lethality, budgetary constraints, and applicable law. The Department of Justice will continue to defend DOD’s lawful authority to create and implement personnel policies they have determined are necessary to best defend our nation, the DOJ statement said.
“Consistent with this new policy, we are asking the courts to lift all related preliminary injunctions in order to ensure the safety and security of the American people and the best fighting force in the world.”
Democrat leadership and members of the LGBT community immediately fired back criticizing the decision.
“This decision is an insult to our brave transgender service members and all who wear our nation’s uniform. Instead of fulfilling his oath to protect the American people, Donald Trump and Mike Pence are putting our nation’s security at risk and shoving real American patriots back in the closet,” the statement from Democrat leadership said.
The decision is expected to effect about one tenth of one percent of all military personnel.