Homophobia Still Plagues Gays in the Military
When Will Gay and Lesbian Soldiers Finally Be Equal?
Has the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy been effective in protecting our homosexual soldiers' rights? Or has it set up a special set of standards that are still pressuring gay soldiers to stay in the closet?
The recent debate over the controversial comments of outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, remind us that true equality for homosexuals in the Military is still not complete. Pace admitted that gays and lesbians can contribute to our nation, yet he qualified that statement by adding that we should not "condone activity that, in my upbringing, is counter to God's law."
How can he, on the one hand advocate equal rights and recognition for our gay and lesbian soldiers, while he continues to add the "immoral" argument in any discussion he has about the subject?
Until all the young men and women that are serving this country are valued with the same regard, despite their lifestyle, we will continue to allow prejudice and discrimination to foment and put undue stress upon a group of brave American soldiers who are laying their lives on the line for our country.
One cannot say they "respect" someone and in the same breath label them as "immoral." To do so - they are saying they "respect immorality." That copout has been used time and again, by homophobes that know the public want each and every soldier recognized for their service, while maintaining a holier-than-thou attitude.
It's bad enough that there is still an underlying current of sentiment running so deeply in our country that it has bullied its way into State legislatures, passing bans against equal rights for homosexuals - but when a military leader continues to label one segment of our brave men and women as "immoral," and citing God as his source, gay and lesbian soldiers will continue to feel singled out and many will make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation while feeling they have to hide who they are.
It's time we retire the old, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," agenda that requires a soldier to hide his/her sexuality. Intimate activity is not welcome in the Military, whether it is heterosexual or homosexual. That should be the only concern. Whether or not a soldier is of the "correct" persuasion shouldn't even be a topic in this day and age.
When General Pace, continues to feel it's necessary to label homosexuals as "immoral," the trickle-down effect is going to be felt throughout the ranks.
And when our young men and women are putting their lives on the line so this nation can continue to operate on a steady keel - they deserve better than that. It's time we take the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" restriction off our soldiers and put it firmly on our Military leaders. If they want to think homosexuality is immoral - fine, that's their business. But, they can keep it to themselves. Our dedicated soldiers don't want to hear it.
Published by G Sheridan
freelance writer, business owner, contractor, trainer View profile
- U.S. Church Congregations Call for Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"Large numbers of churches across the nation are calling for a repeal of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, based on concerns for human rights.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; Mixed Messages from Our Armed ForcesIt is February, 2007 and the United States is in a "war". A new presidential race is just kicking off! Has anyone heard about the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy lately? 
Gays in the Military: What About the UK, France, and Other EU Countries?The United States has maintained its "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays in the military since 1993. So what about the UK, France, and other countries in the EU? How do thos...- Dodd Calls for Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' PolicyHAMPTON - Democratic Presidential hopeful Chris Dodd said yesterday that he would like to see the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on homosexuals in uniform repealed.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell: We're Recalling YouAfter being discharged for homosexuality, a young sailor is recalled to serve in Kuwait. Now, near the end of his temporary tour of duty, it's time to ask some questions.
- Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Work: Opening Up the Military
- Gays in the Military: Yay or Nay?
- Gays in the Military
- Is it Time to Lift the Military Ban on Gays?
- Darren Manzella, an Openly Gay Sergeant Serving in the U.S. Army, to Appear on 60...
- Military Watchdog Criticizes New York Congressman for "Flippant" Attitude Toward C...
- Gay and Lesbian Bars in Melbourne
2 Comments
Post a CommentWhile I agree, Marquis, that a man and a woman can create a family - I don't think that is a reason to limit the financial incentives a gay couple may have.
Michael has a point. Prejudice is everywhere and it takes all of us to overcome it.
Totally agree. I never liked the dont ask, dont tell thing because it it basically told gays to shut-up about being gay. It told them to hike it. Would it be okay to put a sack over your head if you were black? So no one knew? Accept everyone as they are.