Don't Ask - Don't Tell- Repealing it Will Effect More Than the Military

The 'don't ask don't tell' American policy that does not allow homosexuals from serving openly in the US military is a larger issue than just allowing gay service members to serve openly. The repeal of don't ask don't tell will eventually force states to address their laws about homosexual marriage, benefits for homosexuals and other issues.

For instance if military gay military member were able to marry, then these members will be able to receive the same benefits as non gay military members. This includes housing allowances, health benefits, educational benefits, and job placement. Therefore the state that these military members reside in would have to recognize their marriage. If the spouse of a gay military member goes to a civilian hospital for treatment, than that hospital would have to recognize and accept that these members are married.

Moreover if these military members are married in one state, there is a very likely chance that this gay couple could be stationed in another state. Perhaps this new state does not yet recognize homosexual marriages. This would require all states to either recognize homosexual marriages or be forced to through federal legislation.

Married members sometimes have to represent deployed military members for power of attorney situations. Granted anyone can be appointed in a power of attorney. Many single military members designate family members such as siblings to act on their behalf during deployments. However, married members would not be required to designate someone, unless the state does not recognize gay marriage. Then a power of attorney would be required. This creates a situation when a gay military member could get deployed without the proper legal paperwork. One can easily see how confusing it can get.

How about if a gay military member gets injured or dies overseas while deployed? If the state does not recognize gay marriage would the gay spouse be able to be the beneficiary? If the family of the deceased military member lives in a state that does not recognize gay marriage, would they have a legal dispute over the validity of the marriage and hence being a beneficiary?

The question of don't ask don't tell is not just if gay personnel should have the right to serve their country. I believe the majority of people in the milt wry believe that everyone has the right to serve their country. It is a question of legality and the complexity that fouled arise from the complex military world that is generally not understood by the public.