FILE - In this undated file photo provided by the U.S. Army, Pfc. Chelsea Manning poses for a photo wearing a wig and lipstick. In an unprecedented move, the Pentagon is trying to transfer convicted national security leaker Pvt. Chelsea Manning to a civilian prison so she can get treatment for her gender disorder, defense officials said Tuesday May 13, 2014. (AP Photo/U.S. Army, File) (The Associated Press)
WASHINGTON – A lawyer for convicted government secrets leaker Chelsea Manning says the Army private wants to get treatment for her gender disorder at the Fort Leavenworth military prison, not at a civilian federal lockup.
That word comes after military officials told The Associated Press the Pentagon is trying to transfer Manning to the federal Bureau of Prisons.
Lawyer David Coombs says the federal prison system is not as safe as the military prison in Kansas. He says the proposed transfer would force Manning to choose between medical treatment and her personal safety.
Transgender people are not allowed to serve in the military.
The Defense Department doesn't provide such treatment, but Manning can't be discharged from the service while serving her 35-year prison sentence.
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