FussyPucker
03-26-2004, 06:27 AM
Transsexual sailor allowed to stay in Navy
MADRID (Reuters) - A transsexual Spanish sailor says he will be allowed to stay in the Navy as a woman after a medical report said this did not interfere with his duties.
Officers at the Rota naval base in southern Spain had opened a case against Seaman Jose Antonio Gordo Pantoja, a nine-year Navy veteran, last year.
According to Gordo Pantoja, now known as Maria del Mar, literally "Mary of the Sea", the case is a first in Spain.
The Navy could not be reached immediately for comment.
Gordo Pantoja, reported to be having hormone treatments, told Reuters on Thursday the "medical report tells me I can continue to serve normally in the military".
The sailor's contract expired in February but was extended until a decision was taken on the case. Gordo Pantoja said he was now waiting to renew his contract and be assigned a base
MADRID (Reuters) - A transsexual Spanish sailor says he will be allowed to stay in the Navy as a woman after a medical report said this did not interfere with his duties.
Officers at the Rota naval base in southern Spain had opened a case against Seaman Jose Antonio Gordo Pantoja, a nine-year Navy veteran, last year.
According to Gordo Pantoja, now known as Maria del Mar, literally "Mary of the Sea", the case is a first in Spain.
The Navy could not be reached immediately for comment.
Gordo Pantoja, reported to be having hormone treatments, told Reuters on Thursday the "medical report tells me I can continue to serve normally in the military".
The sailor's contract expired in February but was extended until a decision was taken on the case. Gordo Pantoja said he was now waiting to renew his contract and be assigned a base