Canadian trans chaplain at Royal Military College suspended for sexual misconduct

A trans-identifying biological male chaplain at Canada's Royal Military College has been stripped of all religious duties over alleged sexual misconduct.

Captain Beatrice Gale, the first openly transgender chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, was suspended for two days without pay and is now doing administrative tasks at the institution.

According to True North, the Department of National Defence (DND) revoked Gale's chaplaincy after it was determined that the official had violated the Queen's Regulations and Orders by "behav[ing] in a manner that adversely affects the discipline, efficiency or morale of the Canadian Forces."

In a statement to the outlet, DND spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin explained that Gale had made "an inappropriate comment or request to another individual," noting that "neither member was in a position of authority over the other."

Poulin added that while Gale's chaplaincy "remains suspended," the Chaplain General will "determine if additional administrative actions within their authority are required."

The Military Police conducted an investigation of the incident and found that while Gale's actions warranted internal punishment, "the evidence gathered did not meet the threshold for criminal charges."

Gale's story was highlighted by the Canadian military last year and again on Transgender Day of Visibility in March, just days before the aforementioned hearing took place.
 

"Contributions like those of Chaplain (Captain) Gale... who has been generous and candid about her coming out journey, are important," the CAF wrote in an official post. "Diversity and inclusion are vital to creating an organization which meets the needs of all Canadians and those who rely on its services. Greater diversity and inclusivity enrich the workplace and enable us to leverage the range of perspectives and expertise needed to address today’s complex challenges."

Last year, Gale was featured in an official CAF video titled "I am a woman," in which Gale detailed the "painful journey from man to woman."