# Plain Language Summary: Ensuring Military Readiness Act of 2023

This bill would restrict transgender people's ability to serve in the U.S. military. Specifically, it would require the Department of Defense to create new rules that generally prevent transgender individuals with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria (a medical condition where someone's gender identity doesn't match the sex they were assigned at birth) from joining the armed forces. The bill does allow a few narrow exceptions: people could potentially enlist if they've lived as their biological sex for three straight years before joining, and current military members diagnosed with gender dysphoria after enlisting could stay in the military as long as they don't transition and remain deployable.

The practical effect would be significant for transgender people interested in military service. Most transgender individuals with a gender dysphoria diagnosis would be barred from enlisting. However, the bill creates a loophole for transgender people who don't have a formal diagnosis of gender dysphoria—they could theoretically serve if they meet all other military requirements and serve in their biological sex. For people already serving in the military when this law takes effect, those with a gender dysphoria diagnosis could continue serving in their current role, but the military would not be allowed to pay for gender transition surgeries or hormone therapy for them going forward.

The bill's title emphasizes "military readiness," suggesting supporters believe these restrictions are necessary for military effectiveness. However, this remains a contested claim, as military medical experts and studies have presented varying perspectives on whether transgender service members affect military readiness or unit cohesion.

Ensuring Military Readiness Act of 2023

Banks, Jim

Ensuring Military Readiness Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to prescribe regulations regarding military service by transgender individuals. The regulations must disqualify transgender individuals with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria from military service, with some exceptions. (DOD has defined gender dysphoria as a marked incongruence between one's own experienced gender and assigned gender.) The regulations must provide exceptions for such individuals if they have been <ul> <li>stable for 36 consecutive months in their biological sex prior to accession; or</li> <li>diagnosed with gender dysphoria after entering into service and do not require a change of gender and remain deployable.</li> </ul> Under the regulations, members of the Armed Forces who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria may continue to serve in their current gender and receive medically necessary treatment for gender dysphoria. However, such treatment may not include gender reassignment surgery or the commencement of hormone therapy. Transgender individuals who require or have undergone gender transition are disqualified from military service. Additionally, transgender individuals who do not have a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria and are otherwise qualified for service may serve in the Armed Forces in their biological sex.