The Pentagon is attempting to send Pfc. Chelsea Manning to a Civilian prison after she recently requested that she receive hormone therapy, according to officials. She claimed that she wanted to be able to live life like a woman.
Manning , whom changed her name from Bradley to Chelsea, has previously been convicted of espionage after handing over confidential documents to WikiLeaks. She was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
The current Department of Defense policy does not allow transgendered persons into the military. Thus, this special request was the first one made by someone who identifies as transgendered in the military.
According to The New York Times , Members of the U.S. military who identify as transgendered can be dismissed. The Department of defense considers them to be “deviant” and “a typical”.
Mr. Hagel argues that any American should be able to join the military if they meet the requirements.
Pentagon Press secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby stated a decision to send Manning to the Civilian prison has yet to be made. Officials want to ensure that she receives her medical needs while still serving her sentence, according to The Wall Street Journal