US to lift military transgender ban

The Pentagon is set to lift its ban on transgender troops and the announcement is expected on July 1. The plan will require each branch of the military to phase in the new policy over a year

Washington: The Pentagon is set to lift its ban on transgender troops  and the announcement is expected on July 1. The plan will  require each branch of the military to phase in the new policy over a year.

Currently, Pentagon rules allow transgender troops to be discharged from the military.

Defence Secretary Ashton Carter last year ordered all military roles — including combat positions — to be opened to women.

Maryland Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, said, "The reversal of the ban is a major step forward in the effort to secure the full rights and equality of LGBT people in our country, and it will strengthen our military by ensuring that talented, dedicated candidates are not turned away or discouraged from serving because of their gender identity," he said in a statement.

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