The policy was first endorsed after former president Bill Clinton had unsuccessfully tried to overturn a current ban on gay military members. The justification for the ban of gay service members were “that the known presence of gay men and lesbians would undermine morale and unit cohesion”, according to the New York Times article and was continually supported by President Bush during both his presidential terms. However, supporters of the law are now facing immense opposition in contrast to 18 years prior, when the law was first passed. In fact, in 2006 a poll conducted by Zogby International of 545 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans concluded that about three quarters were comfortable around gay service members; a big contrast prior years. Opponents of the law argue that to
Many senior military officials and a majority of the American public opposed this move at the time. When Clinton was elected, the issue of allowing gays in the military was on the top of his list; however, when the White House attempted to unilaterally repeal the ban stumbled and congress passed a law to keep openly gay men and women from serving (Webley). Gays were allowed to serve so long as they kept quiet about their sexual orientation. Thus the phrase “Don’t
Everyone in America who is over 18 is eligible to vote, no matter what race or gender they may be. When the Vietnam War started many 18 year olds brought up the idea of changing the voting age once again, for the age was 21 at that time. One of the main topic of protest during the time was against the fact that many of the soldiers drafted were forced to fight for their country but were not allowed to vote for their leaders because they weren’t
Southern Methodist University | Ethnography Draft | Don’t Ask Don’t Tell | Johnny R. Armijo II 12/5/2012 | The United States Military is considered to be one of the strongest and most professional organizations in the world. Since the inception of the military there have been men and women from many different backgrounds who have served. Eighteen years ago, the United States was under a controversial debate on whether or not acknowledged gays and lesbians would be able to serve in the US military. President Clinton promised in his campaign to extend this civil right to gays and lesbians, however in his attempt to change this law he was confronted with strong opposition from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and members of Congress.
In 1950, President Harry Truman signed the uniform code of military justice, which set up discharge rules for homosexual service members (Washingtonpost.com – A history of don’t ask don’t tell 2010). In 1982, a defense directive from Ronald Reagan stated that “ Homosexuality is incompatible with military service” and that people who state that they’re bisexual were discharged. In 1993, Bill Clinton issued a defense directive that military applicants should not be asked about their sexual orientation which later became known as the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. In 2010, the Senate voted 65-31 to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law, which ended the 17 year-old ban on gays serving openly in the military. Retired U.S Army Colonel, Dave Bedey, discusses why he was against the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with the Washington post in an e-mail interview.
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell or Ignorance is Bliss Homosexuals have faithfully served in the military since its very beginnings. But this fact does not matter to people who oppose the full integration of homosexuals into the military. Many reasons have been cited, but there has been little proof offered to substantiate these reasons. Colonel Roland D. Ray of the United States Marine Corps is the author of Gays: In or Out. In the section titled, “The Reality of Homosexuality and its Lifestyles,” Ray states, “Many homosexuals engage in sexual practices that are virtually unknown among heterosexuals.” After checking the front cover to determine if this book was written in this century, I found it difficult to believe Ray felt he could effectively speak for the entire heterosexual world when he made this statement.
I chose an article from the Journal Of Current Issues In Crime, Law & Law Enforcement the discus the history of homosexuals in the military and the events leading up to the repeal of the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. “Early in the 1992 presidential campaign, then-candidate Bill Clinton commented that, if elected, he would "lift the ban" on homosexuals serving in the military.” (Burrelli, 2010) “Existing policies had been in place since the Carter Administration and, historically speaking, gay, lesbian, and bisexual (same sex) behavior had not been tolerated in the military services.” (Burrelli, 2010) The only change that happened was the start of the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy during President Bill Clinton’s presidency. The issues of the administration’s concern where based around good order and discipline in the ranks. Not asking if a new enlistee their sexual orientation opened the door for gays to serve
Homosexuality in the Military Serving in the military is for many the most honored position they will hold in their lifetime. Many dedicate their entire lives to serving their country, although for some soldiers the dream of proudly serving their country is cut short because they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. The debate over whether homosexuals should even be allowed in the military let alone be permitted to reveal their sexual orientation while serving has been ongoing over the last 30 years. Many would choose to argue that the allowance of homosexuals in the military would have an adverse effect all around. America’s acceptance of homosexuals has continued to grow over the past couple of decades; however, the struggle for complete approval and impartiality still exists.
The don’t ask don’t tell policy toward gays and lesbians serving in the military has been an issue that has debated and argued ever since President Clinton announced it 18 years ago. On December 22, 2010, President Obama sign legislation to repeal the don’t ask don’t tell policy. The policy is still a hot topic among members in the military and with members of congress. One of the most notably members of congress who oppose lifting the ban was Arizona senator John Mc Cain. By no means am I gay, but I served in the military and served with gay members.
For example an LGB serving in the military is married in a state where it is legal still will not receive full health care coverage with Tricare. But, a military member who is heterosexual can receive coverage for his wife and kids as long as they are a dependent. Another benefit LBGs do not receive is the ability to transfer their GI bill to their spouse. There is an unfair educational advantage that heterosexual couples get of homosexual couples in the military. For example my husband already received his degree while serving in active duty through the Tuition Assistance Program offered to all military members.