The U.S. Department of Defense released new guidance on how it will enforce President Donald Trump's ban on transgender people in the military. The guidance states that the Department of Defense will review service members' medical records and give them self-assessment questionnaires to determine whether they have a current diagnosis, history, or symptoms of gender dysphoria.
The memo states that the exclusion of people with symptoms of gender dysphoria applies only to those with "marked incongruence and clinically significant distress or impairment for at least six months," citing the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The guidance also states that it cannot currently take effect because of a court order blocking the Trump administration's ban. Justice Department lawyers asked the court to lift the order in light of the new guidance. They argued that the court order incorrectly found that the policy discriminated against people based on their transgender identity, and that the guidance makes clear that it is based on a medical diagnosis.
The court has already rejected a similar argument when it blocked the policy. The court put its order on hold until Friday to give the government a chance to appeal. In its motion, the government said it plans to appeal and asked the court to keep its order on hold while the appeal is pending if it did not lift it.
8 Comments
Manolo Noriega
It's important to remember that medical diagnosis is often based on science and factual evidence. This policy is simply following the guidelines of recognized medical professionals.
Fuerza
Is this what we stand for? Denying someone the right to serve based on outdated medical information? Shame on America.
Manolo Noriega
Finally, some common sense! The military needs to focus on physical and mental fitness, not catering to individuals with psychological issues.
Ongania
This administration continues to attack vulnerable groups for political gain. This is not about safety, it's about bigotry.
Manolo Noriega
President Trump is simply upholding his campaign promises to prioritize the strength and unity of our armed forces. This policy is part of that commitment.
Michelangelo
Shame on the Trump administration for trying to undermine the court order and perpetuate discrimination against transgender individuals.
Raphael
This policy is based on faulty logic and outdated information. Gender dysphoria is not a mental illness!
Donatello
Everyone should be held to the same standards, regardless of whether they have gender dysphoria. This is simply about fairness and efficiency.