The Pentagon is "likely" to repeal its ban on transgender service members next month, defense officials told Fox News Friday, even as one report claimed an announcement could happen as soon as next week. The Defense Department currently disqualifies transgender troops from the service on medical grounds. Carter announced last year that the ban on transgender troops serving openly would be lifted unless it was proven that such an action would have a negative "impact on military effectiveness and readiness." According to USA Today, top personnel officials could meet as soon as Monday to finalize details of the plan. USA Today also reported that several issues related to repealing the transgender ban have caused contention at the Pentagon, most notably how long troops would need to serve before being eligible for gender reassignment surgery.

Source: Fox News June 24, 2016 22:54 UTC