Around the corner: Don't Ask - Don't Tell

By meg on Friday, July 10, 2009 - 11:30

There is a great deal of hullabaloo in the news right now regarding the U.S. military’s antigay policy Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT), the Clintonian era’s failed attempt at allowing members of the LGBTQ community to quietly serve their country. Before this law was in effect, anyone signing up for the military could be asked to verify their heterosexual status, and be denied entry if a person responded that he or she was indeed homosexual.

DADT prevents military recruiters from asking the hetero/homo question, and as long as a gay or lesbian soldier or sailor keeps quiet, and hides their personal lives from their coworkers, they can serve with impunity. However, if the sexual orientation of an individual is brought to the attention of the military, there is the possibility for an investigation to take place, and if someone is found guilty of homosexual acts, which is illegal under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), then that individual will be forced out of the military.

Implemented in 1994, what DADT did for gays and lesbians wishing to serve in the United States Armed Forces is to allow them in the door, nothing else. This policy failed to put in any protections for LGBTQ military personnel and although they are allowed to be in the military, relegates them to second class status by denying them the right to have a romantic relationship with whomever they choose.