A former Army commander who underwent a sex change operation was discriminated against by the U.S. government, a federal judge has ruled in an important victory for transgenders claiming bias in the workplace.

Diane Schroer won her federal lawsuit against the Library of Congress after officials backed out of a 2005 job offer when told of her intention to become a transsexual. At the time of the job interview for a position as a senior terrorism research analyst, David Schroer was a male. He had been a onetime Army Special Forces commander.

“The evidence established that the Library was enthusiastic about hiring David Schroer — until she disclosed her transsexuality,” Robinson wrote. “The Library revoked the offer when it learned that a man named David intended to become, legally, culturally and physically, a woman named Diane. This was discrimination ‘because of … sex.’ “

“I knew all along that the 25 years of experience I gained defending our country didn’t disappear when I transitioned, so it was hard to understand why I was being turned down for a job doing what I do best just because I’m transgender. It is tremendously gratifying to have your faith in this country, and what is fundamentally right and fair, be reaffirmed,” said Diane Schroer.

We might just consider returning control of the Library of Congress to librarians instead of politicians.