The White House announced on Friday evening a new policy that prohibits most transgender soldiers from serving in the U.S. military.
President Donald Trump revoked his previous decision allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military in favor of a “new policy developed through a comprehensive study by senior military and civilian officials, including war veterans,” the White House stated.
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According to the new policy, service in the military is banned for all transgender individuals who may require medical treatment, including medication and surgery. However, the Secretary of Defense and other executive officials may make exceptions in “certain limited circumstances.”
The White House states that Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis determined that individuals with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria pose a risk to military effectiveness.
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In August of last year, Trump signed a memorandum banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. However, the Pentagon was not enthusiastic, and courts blocked that decision.
