S Korean military to appeal ruling on transgender soldier
ABC News
South Korea’s military says it will appeal a landmark court ruling that struck down its decision to discharge the country’s first known transgender soldier before she was found dead earlier this year
SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korea’s military said Thursday it will appeal a landmark court ruling that struck down its decision to discharge the country’s first known transgender soldier before she was found dead earlier this year.
A local district court ruled this month that the military unlawfully discriminated against the soldier by forcing her out last year for undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
The Defense Ministry said it respects the verdict but has decided to appeal. A ministry official said it plans to ask the Justice Ministry to approve the filing, as required by law. Local media reported that the ministry was worried about a possible backlash in the military and administrative confusion if it accepts the ruling.
The appeal is expected to draw strong protests from human rights groups, which have been urging the military to accept the verdict and work out measures to guarantee service for sexual minorities.
