Army says trans people not allowed to join; it will stop ‘performing or facilitating’ sex change operations

U.S. Army Announces Ban on Transgender Enlistments and Gender-Affirming Care, Sparking Controversy and Legal Challenges

In a move that has ignited widespread controversy, the U.S. Army announced on Friday, October 13, that it is no longer allowing transgender individuals to enlist in its ranks and will halt all medical procedures related to gender transitions for active-duty service members. The decision, effective immediately, comes just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth implemented a broader ban on transgender people joining the military. This policy shift marks a significant reversal of previous regulations that had permitted transgender individuals to serve openly and access gender-affirming care through the military. The Army’s announcement has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, transgender service members, and even some state attorneys general, who argue that the ban is discriminatory and harmful.

The Army’s New Policy and Its Implications

According to the Army’s statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the ban on enlistments for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria is effective immediately. All medical procedures associated with gender transitions, whether scheduled or unscheduled, have also been paused. While the Army emphasized that transgender service members who are already enlisted will be treated with dignity and respect, the new policy effectively limits their ability to transition while serving. The announcement is part of a broader effort by the Department of Defense (DoD) to reform the military by prioritizing readiness and lethality over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been a key proponent of this shift, stating during a recent town hall that the military’s strength lies in shared purpose and individual merit, not in diversity programs.

The Broader Context: A Rollback of Inclusive Policies

The rollback of transgender service member protections is part of a larger campaign by the Pentagon to undo progressive policies implemented during previous administrations. In 2016, under President Barack Obama, the DoD announced that transgender service members could serve openly and access medical care for gender transitions. This policy was upheld by the Biden administration, which also reversed a ban on transgender service enacted by President Donald Trump in 2017. Trump’s ban, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2019, prohibited individuals with a history of gender dysphoria from joining the military, with limited exceptions. The current ban under the Hegseth directive goes even further, not only barring new enlistments but also halting gender-affirming care for active-duty personnel.

Legal and Political Pushback: State Attorneys General Weigh In

The new policy has already sparked legal challenges, with a coalition of 20 state attorneys general filing a “friend of the court” brief in support of a lawsuit aiming to block the implementation of the transgender military ban. The attorneys general, representing states including California, New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois, argue that the ban is discriminatory and unconstitutional. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell called the policy “cruel and wrong,” emphasizing the bravery and sacrifices of transgender service members. The coalition also criticized the administration’s hypocrisy, noting that the ban contradicts its claimed support for the military and veterans. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, who had initially championed the ban on transgender service during his presidency, has yet to publicly comment on the latest developments.

The Financial and Human Impact of the Ban

The decision to halt gender-affirming care for transgender service members has significant financial and human implications. Between January 1, 2016, and May 14, 2021, the Department of Defense spent approximately $15 million on providing transgender treatments, including surgical and nonsurgical procedures, to 1,892 active-duty service members. While this figure represents a small fraction of the DoD’s overall budget, it underscores the importance of these services to the mental and physical health of transgender personnel. The ban not only affects the well-being of current service members but also discourages potential recruits who may feel unwelcome or unsupported in the military. Advocates argue that the policy will harm military readiness by driving away talented and dedicated individuals who are eager to serve their country.

A Polarizing Debate with No Clear End in Sight

The issue of transgender service in the military remains deeply polarizing, with supporters of the ban arguing that it is necessary to maintain unit cohesion and combat readiness. Critics, however, point to studies showing that transgender service members do not pose a risk to military effectiveness and that inclusive policies actually improve morale and retention. As the legal challenges to the ban move forward, the debate over transgender service is likely to continue for months, if not years. For now, the thousands of transgender service members who have courageously served their country in silence or openly face an uncertain future, as the military they voluntarily joined seems increasingly determined to exclude them. The Biden administration, which has been a vocal ally to the LGBTQ+ community, has yet to announce any plans to reverse the ban, leaving many to wonder whether the progress made in recent years will be rolled back entirely.