Gays In The Military

Gay’s In the Military

In 1993 the world as we knew it changed. Some expected the change to be for the better, and for a while it seemed to be. Bill Clinton was the man of the hour, keeping with his promise and making much needed advancements for the over 65,000 gay and lesbian members of the Armed Forces (Gary J. Gates). The introduction of the “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue, don’t harass” bill was set forth for congressional approval. This bill outlined the acceptable policy for dealing with homosexual military members. As the bill passed congress and was implemented defects soon became apparent. The bill stated that military members who demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts be discharged.

An analysis of the U.S. Government’s stance on homosexuals in the military reveals the principal problems facing gays in the military: living a secret life or live an open life with the chance of losing their career.

When this issue finally came to light many Americans, gay and straight, voiced their opinions. In fact, according to the latest CNN poll 79% of Americans think people who are openly gay or homosexual should be allowed to serve in the U.S. military (CNN). When returning military men and women were asked if they would server with openly gay and lesbian service members __% said that they would.

In his article, No Place for Gays in the Military?, Ramon Johnson seeks answers to why the U.S. Military has chosen to “oust some of its most strategic players? Because they are gay.” Johnson shows how under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, military members with great experience are discharges because of their sexuality. Johnson also questions the reason of allowing this to continue when our military recruitment, since