U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carteron Thursday announced the militarywould no longer discriminate againsttransgender individuals.
“Effective immediately, transgender Americans may serve openly, and they can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender,” Carter said during a press conference at the Pentagon.
“This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force,” he added. “We’re talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a person’s qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission.”
