Most transgenders barred from serving US military

Washington, March 24: US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued orders to ban most transgender people from serving in the US military except under “limited circumstances, following up on his controversial proposal last year that sparked widespread backlash by LGBT rights groups.

In his presidential memorandum, Trump said transgender persons with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria those who may require substantial medical treatment — are “disqualified from military service except under certain limited circumstances.”

The memo did not elaborate on possible exceptions, but said the secretary of defence and secretary of homeland security “may exercise their authority to implement any appropriate policies concerning military service by transgender individuals”.

He allowed those transgenders who are already in the military to continue with their service.

Trump had signed a memorandum in August last year that barred transgender people from the armed forces, but it was blocked in court two months later after transgender troops took the policy to court.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that Trump had rescinded his previous policy to allow this new policy to take its place.

The new policy, the White House said, was “developed through extensive study by senior uniformed and civilian leaders, including combat veterans,” under the direction of Defence Secretary James Mattis. — PTI

THE MEMO said the experts' study sets forth a policy to enhance US military's readiness, lethality, and effectiveness. THE DEMOCRATS slammed Trump for his transgender policy

CALIFORNIA AG Xavier Becerra said his state will take every measure to prevent Trump's discriminatory action that harms or marginalizes transgender service members or any other Americans