DHAKA: The US military has lifted its ban on transgender members serving openly in the country’s armed forces.

The policy, which will allow members to transition gender while serving and will set standards for medical care, will be phased in over a year, reports the BBC.

“This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force,” said Defence Secretary Ash Carter.'

It will ensure no-one can be “discharged or denied re-enlistment” based on gender identity.

Jamie Ewing, who was kicked out of the US Army for being transgender, told the BBC she was happy to hear the news.

“I am very pleased,” she said. “I look forward to re-enlisting and to hopefully wear my uniform again sometime in the near future as a soldier in the US Army.”

But Republican Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma criticised the government for “forcing their social agenda” and said it should be put on hold.

BDST: 0852 HRS, JULY 1, 2016
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