U.S. set to lift ban on transgender military service: reports
The U.S. military is expected to announce Friday that it will welcome transgender people into service, according to various news outlets. Defense Department officials are not allowed to discuss the repeal of the Pentagon's ban on transgender service until final approval is given by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. His stamp of approval is expected before the fourth of July, according to USA Today. CNN reported that the final decision has not been made, and an announcement might come after July 4. "A senior Pentagon official" told Voice of America News that the Department of Defense "anticipates completing our policy on transgender service members in the coming weeks, no date has been confirmed for the announcement." Anonymous leaks reveal that a one-year implementation period will be given to each branch of the armed forces to work out not only the details of transgender troops serving openly but recruiting, housing, uniforms, and other issues.