Australia Drops Trans Military Ban

A member of the Australian military's desire to transition has led to the repeal of the nation's ban on transgender service members.

The announcement from Australian Defence Force chief Angus Houston (pictured) came Monday, 18 years after the force repealed the ban on gay and lesbian troops, according to Crikey.com.

The policy is scheduled to become effective in December. Houston said commanders must "manage ADF transgender personnel with fairness, respect, and dignity ... and existing medical review provisions; and ensure all personnel are not subjects to unacceptable behavior."