Gay and lesbian troops will be protected by new Pentagon policy
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Tuesday that gay and lesbian troops for the first time will be protected from discrimination by the Pentagon’s equal opportunity policy, USA Today reports.
Carter announced the change at the Pentagon’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride event. He was the first Defense secretary to address the group’s annual meeting.
The change ensures that gay and lesbian troops’ complaints about discrimination based on sexual orientation will be investigated by military officials.
“Discrimination of any kind has no place in America’s armed forces,” Carter said.