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A Canadian military chaplain who was hailed as the country’s first openly transgender minister, Capt. Beatrice Gale, has been suspended for making inappropriate comments.
The chaplain reportedly asked a fellow soldier if Gale could grope them. The transgender captain received a service infraction for violating conduct rules against behavior that negatively impacts discipline, efficiency or morale.
“This incident stems from an inappropriate comment or request to another individual. Neither member was in a position of authority over the other,” DND representative Andrée-Anne Poulin stated.
The suspension of Gale’s role as a chaplain will be re-evaluated based on the outcome of the summary hearing over the comments.
“The mandate for Captain Gale to serve as a Canadian military chaplain remains suspended. The Chaplain General will consider the implications of the summary hearing’s outcome to determine if additional administrative actions within their authority are required,” Poulin added.
According to an anonymous source, Gale got drunk at a military dinner and asked a male lieutenant if Gale could grope their rear end.
The Canadian government had recently promoted Gale and highlighted their role as a trailblazer for transgender inclusion, but is now suppressing records of the sexual abuse allegations against Gale citing privacy rules, diverging from past protocols.
“International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) is dedicated to honouring transgender people and raising awareness of the discrimination faced by that community worldwide while celebrating their contributions to society,” the government website read.
“Contributions like those of Chaplain (Captain) Gale, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) first openly transgender chaplain, who has been generous and candid about her coming out journey, are important,” the message added.
The suspension called into question the military’s decision to assign a religious leader with unresolved issues around sexuality and conduct.