SLOW-ROLLING?

Mattis: Trans Troops Can Continue to Serve—for Now

“Our focus must always be on what is best for the military’s combat effectiveness.”

Defense Secretary James Mattis said Tuesday that transgender individuals will be able to continue serving in the military pending the results of a study conducted by a group of experts on the issue. “Once the panel reports its recommendations and following my consultation with the secretary of Homeland Security, I will provide my advice to the president concerning implementation of his policy direction,” Mattis said in a statement, appearing to slow-walk the implementation of a Trump-ordered ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. “The Pentagon completed its review and comprehensive study of this policy over a year ago. This recent statement by Mattis doesn’t change our course of action. We will continue to pursue legal action for our plaintiffs,” said Matt Thorn, executive director of OutServe-SLDN, an LGBT military group that is fighting the Trump order in court.