The Military’s Transgender Policy, Stalled

[traci_k]

The Military's Transgender Policy, Stalled

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/06/opinion/the-militarys-transgender-policy-stalled.html?_r=0

The New York Times
By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
APRIL 6, 2016

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced last July that the Pentagon intended to allow transgender people to serve openly in the military within six months, calling the decades-long ban "outdated" and an impediment to attracting and retaining top talent.

More than eight months later, a new policy has yet to be unveiled. It is imperative that Mr. Carter complete this process in a matter of weeks so transgender troops can start serving openly while he is in office.
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The sad fact is even if Ash Carter gets the new policy in place a new anti-trans, homophobic president could undo any gains with a swipe of the pen. Trump I don't think would change the policy, though I could be wrong. A Cruz presidency would mean open season on the entire LGBTQ community. Hillary is as unlikable as Trump and while she might be good for the LGBTQ community, would be a disaster for the country.  Bernie is looking more reasonable but doesn't seem to have a high probability of getting the nomination because the deck seems so stacked for Hillary. With the Southern states not only introducing but passing hate legislation, and even some Republicans in Illinois introducing so called "common sense" legislation restricting bathroom usage, I'm frankly scared for our future. JMHO

[suzifrommd]

The sad fact is even if Ash Carter gets the new policy in place a new anti-trans, homophobic president could undo any gains with a swipe of the pen.

This statement is true, but it carries a political cost. It's a lot easier to deny rights to a group of people than to take away rights they already have.

[Deborah]

The article didn't really say what is causing the delay.  I wonder what it is?


Sapere Aude

[FTMax]

Deborah, I'm connected to a few current service members who have been working closely on this. Apparently discussions about ISIS have gotten in the way of working on the policy.

[Deborah]

If that's what it was then it should still be on track, just with some delay.


Sapere Aude