Biden overturns military transgender ban

WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden yesterday signed an executive order that overturned a ban by his predecessor on transgender individuals serving in the US military, a move cheered by LGBTQ advocates.

Flanked by Vicepresident

Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, Biden signed the executive order in the Oval Office.

‘‘It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride,’’ Biden said on Twitter after the signing.

Austin said he supported the move and would immediately take action to ensure that transgender people are eligible to enter the military. — Reuters