The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a policy that will remove transgender service members from the military unless they receive an exemption.
The decision, outlined in a memo filed in court on Wednesday, effectively bans transgender individuals from enlisting or continuing their service.
The directive expands previous restrictions and requires the military to identify transgender personnel within 30 days, followed by a discharge process within the next month.
Exemptions will only be granted in cases where retaining the service member is deemed essential to combat operations.
The Pentagon stated that military service demands high standards of readiness and cohesion, arguing that gender dysphoria and related medical concerns are inconsistent with these requirements.
Under the policy, waivers may be considered for individuals who have maintained stability in their assigned gender for at least 36 consecutive months.
Critics have called the move a sweeping effort to eliminate transgender troops from military service. Advocacy groups, including the National Center for Lesbian Rights, have challenged the policy in court, arguing that it violates constitutional protections.
While public support for transgender military service remains high, a recent Gallup poll showed a decline in approval compared to previous years.
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