A recent amendment proposal has sparked debate by suggesting that individuals assigned female at birth who identify as male should be required to register for Selective Service, the system used for potential military drafts in the United States. Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee introduced the amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, arguing for equal treatment under the law.
Burchett's rationale, as explained in an interview with Military.com, is that if transgender men wish to be recognized as men, they should also bear the same responsibilities as other men, including registering for Selective Service. He believes this group enjoys undue protections and that the current system is unfair.
The proposed amendment seeks to modify the definition of "male person" and "male citizen" within the Selective Service requirements to encompass transgender individuals who identify as male. This contrasts with the current system, where registration is based on sex assigned at birth. As it stands, those assigned male at birth are required to register regardless of gender identity, while those assigned female at birth are not, even if they identify as male.
The Selective Service website clarifies that its current policy follows the original intent of Congress, which mandated registration based on sex assigned at birth. The website notes that individuals assigned male at birth who later transition to female can claim an exemption from military service if drafted. Conversely, those assigned female at birth who transition to male are not obligated to register.
The future of this amendment remains uncertain. It is unclear whether it will be put to a vote or garner sufficient support when the National Defense Authorization Act is presented to the House. The debate comes as the military allows open transgender service, a reversal of a Trump-era policy.
The United States has not implemented a military draft since 1973.
