Trump bars transgenders from military

PRESIDENT Donald Trump announced yesterday that transgender people may not serve in any capacity in the US military, citing the tremendous medical costs and disruption their presence would cause.

Late last month, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis delayed for six months a plan put in place under the Obama administration to start accepting transgender recruits.

About 2 500 to 7 000 transgender people are among the 1.3 million active duty service members.

“After consultation with my generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the US Military,” Trump tweeted.

“Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”

The issue of transgender rights in America has been increasingly in the spotlight in recent months, especially over how states regulate the use of public restrooms.

The Trump administration faced protests earlier this year after it reversed Obama-era federal protections that urged schools to allow transgender students to use the toilet corresponding to their gender identity, not that on their birth certificate.

Last month, the Pentagon said the five armed service branches could delay accepting transgender recruits until January 1.

They would “review their accession plans and provide input on the [effect on] the readiness and lethality of our forces,” spokeswoman Dana White said.

Last week, she said the different services were not in agreement on when to accept transgender recruits.