Gender-diverse Australian sailors barred from US submarines despite Aukus deal, documents reveal
Summary
Australian transgender and non-binary sailors and applicants cannot currently enter the country’s nuclear-submarine training pathway because they must follow U.S. policies while training in the United States. Australian Navy officials say they are seeking other career and training options, including possible opportunities in the UK.Key Facts
- An internal Australian Defence Force briefing says transgender and non-binary personnel and applicants cannot start the nuclear-powered submarine training pathway.
- The briefing says Australian personnel training or serving in the United States must comply with U.S. policy.
- Rear Adm Tish van Stralen said the Australian Defence Force remains an equal-opportunity employer but would not place gender-diverse personnel in training that could put them at risk.
- Van Stralen said the Navy would seek alternative career paths and that training in the UK might become available.
- Australia has no nuclear-submarine fleet of its own, and Australian sailors and officers are training on U.S. submarines and at U.S. bases.
- The AUKUS plan proposes that Australia buy three Virginia-class submarines from the United States, starting in 2032.
- Donald Trump signed an executive order in January 2025 banning transgender people from serving in the U.S. military.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
