Photo: Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Friday that bans some transgender individuals from serving in the United States military, but gives the armed forces latitude in implementing policies. It added that the secretaries of defense and homeland security "may exercise their authority to implement any appropriate policies concerning military service by transgender individuals." Trump's decision is less restrictive than his initial comments in a July Twitter message saying he would prohibit transgender people from military service. In a February memorandum to the White House, Mattis said transgender individuals with a history of gender dysphoria were disqualified from military service. At least one openly transgender recruit has already signed a contract to join the US military since a federal court ruled late last year that the military would have to accept transgender individuals.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 24, 2018 02:37 UTC