Five days into President Joe Biden’s term he repealed the ban on transgender troops from serving in the military enacted by former President Trump in March 2018.

“Simply put, transgender servicemembers will no longer be subject to the possibility of discharge or separation on the basis of gender identity [and] transgender servicemembers can serve in their gender when transition is complete,” according to a White House fact sheet. “Transgender servicemembers should know that they are accepted throughout the U.S. military.”

The policy, announced before the swearing-in ceremony of Lloyd Austin, enacted by former President Obama in 2017 and then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

“I truly believe…that if you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve,”  said Austin during his confirmation hearing to Congress.

The executive order also orders the military to review cases where troops were dismissed from the military due to their gender identity; meaning in many cases a dishonorable discharge could become an honorable discharge, Politico reports.

“Individuals who are willing to put on the uniform of our country and risk their lives to defend our freedoms should be received with commendation, not prejudice,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)

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