Nat’l security leaker begins gender treatment

In this undated file photo provided by the U.S. Army, Pfc. Chelsea Manning poses for a photo wearing a wig and lipstick. AP FILE PHOTO

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Bureau of Prisons has rejected the Army’s request to accept the transfer of national security leaker Pvt. Chelsea Manning from a military prison. So the military will begin treatment for her gender-identity condition.

A defense official said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has approved the Army’s recommendation to keep Manning in military custody and start a rudimentary level of gender treatment.

The Army tried to get Manning transferred to the federal prison system, but officials said those discussions have ended.

Manning has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, the sense of being a woman in a man’s body. Civilian prisons can provide treatment, but the Defense Department doesn’t have the medical expertise needed.

Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly by name.