Transsexual loses case against MoD

Joanne Wingate said she was 'disappointed'

A transsexual who claims she was the victim of discrimination by the Ministry of Defence has lost her case.

Former Warrant Officer Joanne Wingate, 42, from Somerset, claimed she had been discriminated against because of her transsexuality.

Although the employment tribunal found against her, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was criticised for apparently referring to incidents involving Ms Wingate as banter or horseplay.

Speaking after the tribunal decision, she said: "I'm extremely disappointed by this decision, which seems to be a step away from fair treatment for people undergoing gender reassignment."

She added: "The way I was treated was deeply upsetting, and I am currently considering whether to appeal."

Jenny Watson, deputy chairwoman of the Equal Opportunities Commission, said: "We have now seen a series of discrimination claims against the MoD that raise serious questions about the implementation of their equal opportunities policies.

"This gives the EOC real cause for concern."

Miss Wingate joined the Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1981 and left last year.

She said she had told the Army she was "gender dysphoric" in 1997.