Case for Inclusion of Gays
Jamie Fellner, director of the U.S. Program of Human Rights Watch states that "'Don’t ask, don’t tell' panders to prejudice... Gay and lesbian servicemembers are discharged without regard to their skills, training, commitment or courage — victims of the irrational fears and stereotypes some heterosexuals have about them.”
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a national legal service dedicated to aiding those affected by the don't ask, don't tell policy, describes it as "the only law that punishes gays, lesbians, and bisexuals for coming out."
Case for Don't Ask, Don't Tell
In a recent interview with Teenink.com, former Secretary of State Colin Powell stated "I think [homosexuality is] a different matter with respect to the military because you're essentially told who you're going to live with, who you're going to sleep next to, and it's a different set of circumstances in a military environment." Powell also notes that "Out of a military environment, in a school, I think any act that suggests someone should be discriminated against or in some way stigmatized because of their racial background, ethnic background or sexual preference is not appropriate."
David Crary of the Associated Press cited "Robert Maginnis, a retired Army colonel and military analyst, believes gays should be excluded altogether from the armed forces on grounds that their presence can make heterosexual soldiers uncomfortable."
Where it Stands
- Military Readiness Enhancement Act: House Considers Repealing DADT
- News: Repealing DADT Would Save $200 Million, Add 41K Troops
- News: Retired Army Generals and Coast Guard Admiral Come Out
- The Facts: According to the The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network , over 10,000 servicemembers have been discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell provision.
- Commentary: No Place for Gays in the Military?
- Assistance: The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is available for questions or assistance at 202.328.FAIR or legal@sldn.org
