Recently, the military started rethinking its “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy regarding homosexuals in the military. Is this a step in the right direction? Yes.
The “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was implemented to minimize the amount of discrimination towards homosexuals in a formerly completely homophobic organization. It pretty much implies that you won’t be pushed away from military service if you are willing to serve your country by joining the military. The condition for this though, is for you to not openly “come out.”
Rethinking the policy is worth paying attention to because it could end up being a big step in minimizing the discrimination against homosexuals. This is to say people are finally getting things done in terms of spreading equality. This could be a great step forward.
Another reason for the military ban was that homosexuality, at one time, was thought of as an issue of national security. The policy was signed into law in 1993 by President Clinton, which argued that gays and lesbians openly serving is an issue of national security. It isn’t. Orientation, unless you happen to be talking in political terms, holds no bearing over national security.
A question posed by retired Lieutenant Colonel Robert Maginnis is whether the bottom line for the military is whether a policy change will help promote combat effectiveness. He maintains that he sees no evidence to support that it will promote combat effectiveness
The real question should be whether or not there is evidence to prove that the change in policy will negatively affect unit effectiveness. There really isn’t any that is noticeable. Then again, this is coming from a civilian perspective. This could be completely wrong and unfounded.
Sure, some people may find homosexuality sinful, against nature, a mental disorder or just plain sick. There’s the problem of the world, you have the right to be different and to still be treated as an equal. This really doesn’t translate over well in society because society fears difference.
If you’re gay and either want to serve or are in the military, you should have the ability to do so as you are. You shouldn’t have to cover up a part of who you are for the comfort of others just to be able to serve your country.