The Pentagon has filed a memo in court that effectively blocks transgender people from joining or remaining in the military without exemptions, a move deemed more restrictive than the Trump-era policy.
Last month, Trump issued an executive order that directly targeted transgender service members, stating that a man who identifies as a woman does not embody the humility and selflessness expected of a member of the armed forces.
This month, the Pentagon announced that transgender individuals will be prohibited from enlisting in the U.S. military, and that any procedures related to gender transition for active service members will cease. A memo released on Wednesday evening extends this ban to include those currently serving in the military.
The Pentagon memo, dated February 26th, sets a 60-day timeline for identifying and discharging transgender troops, citing concerns about medical and mental health constraints related to gender dysphoria and the need for high military standards.
There is no obligation for transgender service members to self-identify, and the Pentagon does not have an exact figure on their numbers. The Pentagon stated that waivers would only be granted if there is a compelling government interest in keeping the service member that directly supports combat capabilities.
Additionally, for a waiver, troops must fulfill several criteria, including showing “36 consecutive months of stability in their designated sex without clinically significant distress.” During his first term, Trump announced a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, though he did not fully implement it, opting to freeze their recruitment while allowing those already in service to remain.
Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) remarked, “The scope and severity of this ban is unprecedented. It is a complete purge of all transgender individuals from military service.”
While estimates of transgender service members vary, with advocates citing up to 15,000, and officials reporting lower numbers, public support for their service has declined from 71% in 2019 to 58% this month, according to a Gallup poll.
The Pentagon memo was filed in a lawsuit that is challenging the constitutionality of the discharge policy.