Army to discharge WAC married to transsexual

FT. RUCKER, Ala. (P)An Army board yesterday recommended that Spec, 4 Marie Sode be expelled for "homosexual tendencies," a finding based on her marriage to a former WAC who claims to be a transsexual male.

*

The board of two men and two women unanimously ruled that although the couple think of themselves, and relate, as man and wife, Spec. 4 Sođe, 22, is unsuitable to remain in the service because she and Kristian Von Hoffburg, 29, live together as "biological females."

The Army's attorney said the case may result in a service

wide policy on transsexuality. None exists now.

As used in these proceedings, the word transsexual means a person with the physical attributes of one sex but the feelings of the other.

The board said the discharge should be "honorable," but Spec. 4 Sode, who has fought any dismissal, said she "most likely" will seek a federal court order to. block it.

The board's action is subject to military review and it will be at least a week before the brigade commander, Col. George Powers, will decide if the recommendation should be followed.