Word: gayness
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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When this policy was first formulated in 1993, the Pentagon and Joint Chiefs of Staff justified it by saying the combat readiness of heterosexuals would be undermined by the presence of homosexual servicepeople. However, this implies some fundamental difference in ability between soldiers of different sexual orientations. Numerous gay soldiers have served with distinction in the armed forces, even while saddled with the added burden of keeping their sexual orientation secret. But as soon as the soldiers' homosexuality was revealed they were quickly discarged and their medals and honors were trampled over...
...government's reasoning affirms the legitimacy of discrimination and hatred towards gay individuals. While it is understandable that some heterosexual servicepeople may feel uncomfortable serving with homosexuals, discomfort cannot be a basis for discrimination. Other servicepeople may feel uneasy about working with soldiers of a different race or religion, which could impact their ability to fight. Yet servicepeople are protected by both federal law and military regulations from discrimination based upon these differences. This confusing double standard about characteristics that do not impact an individual's ability to serve is one of the most obvious defects...
...policy's ambiguity opens the door to misunderstanding and misinterpretation as well. It offers no way of dealing with the issue of an individual's sexual orientation once it surfaces. As in the Winchell case, the rumors about his sexual orientation started when he went to a gay club in Nashville with another member of his platoon. While later testimony confirmed Winchell's homosexuality, heterosexuals can, and have, attended gay clubs. His sergeant informally investigated the matter of Winchell's sexual orientation but only came up with suspicions and no concrete evidence. Yet he did nothing to protect Winchell from...
...while still suspect--can be somewhat reasonably justified on the basis of physiological differences in ability between men and women that may become important on the battlefield. But homosexual soldiers come in all shapes and sizes, just like heterosexual soldiers. There is no external difference between the ability of gay and straight soldiers to serve well, as many homosexual soldiers have proven...
...only solution is allowing complete openness in sexual orientation. No longer would there be whispered rumors and unfounded suspicions that escalate into finger-pointing and abuse. With the issue out in the open, soldiers would be forced to accept their gay peers as individuals unique in their own right, not as strange marginalized beings...