In an interview with USA Today, Wednesday Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James said that the ban on transgender troops is likely to be reassessed and should be lifted.
According to the report James apparently is the first secretary of a branch of the armed forces to support the idea of ending the ban on transgender troops, though House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California and some other members of Congress have urged the Pentagon to lift it.
Asked whether she believes there is a military readiness reason why transgender people should not be allowed to serve, James responded, “From my point of view, anyone who is capable of accomplishing the job should be able to serve, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this comes under review.”
Groups that have urged the ban be lifted applauded James’ remarks. Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, which has published research on sexual orientation issues in the military, called her statements “a positive step” but added, “President Obama is the commander in chief and is ultimately responsible for setting policy, and it is imperative for him to clarify his position as well.”
