'Don't ask, don't tell' changes, line by line
Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week eased enforcement of the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that restricts the kind of evidence that can be used against gay service members.
You can see the line-by-line changes for yourself in the document below, which includes a change in the definition of "homosexual" and "homosexual acts," and clarifies who can initiate separation proceedings.
Leave your thoughts in the comments section below
Defense Department "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Changes
By
Ed O'Keefe
| March 30, 2010; 9:30 AM ET
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Posted by: ronjeske | March 30, 2010 11:06 AM | Report abuse
Change Title VII to include sexual orientation and Don't Ask Don't Tell becomes illegal. Protecting a segment of the workforce - in only one Department does nothing to resolve the issue.
Posted by: Metropolized | March 30, 2010 11:21 AM | Report abuse
So we could have cross-dressing drill sergeants? I'll be putting my money on the Taliban
Posted by: twharvey1 | March 30, 2010 1:20 PM | Report abuse
What ignorant hateful lunacy!
No gay person with an ounce of self respect should even consider joining up as long as this policy is in place.
Posted by a Vietnam Vet.
Posted by: LarryT | March 30, 2010 2:01 PM | Report abuse
Should we be thankful for little steps? In this case, I think not. It's blatant discrimination and should be abolished... Period.
Posted by: kerley809 | March 30, 2010 2:06 PM | Report abuse
The time is long past for correcting this unfortunate piece of errata. The policy needs to be abolished immediately, so that there are no restrictions on homosexuals serving in the military. Someone tell Secretary Gates...no, tell the President he can sign an Executive Order and take care of this matter today. Yesterday is not too soon, but tomorrow will be too late for those who will be discharged today!
Posted by: lmhankins | March 30, 2010 3:51 PM | Report abuse
Babysteps...
Posted by: Dogtags | March 30, 2010 4:00 PM | Report abuse
Are we running low on cannon fodder?
Posted by: corrections | March 30, 2010 4:48 PM | Report abuse
The only thing that seems to have changed in this document is the fact that unreliable witnesses can't be used to remove gays from the military. Quite frankly, I believe that every nonhomosexual should be considered unreliable since the real truth is that most heterosexual males and females still believe that gays are unfit for service. Isn't it about time that the truth about the numbers of gay men and women serving in the armed services be brought to light in order to show that the unity of our honorable service men and women hasn't been destroyed by its presence? We as a nation must begin to realize that being gay is not a threat! It is about time we get rid of this absurd law anyway. Many of our gay service men and women should be honored and not discriminated against!
Posted by: trent1a1 | March 30, 2010 5:49 PM | Report abuse
One answer to all this is: Don't let heterosexuals serve in the military. Every member (oops!) should be gay.
Who cares about accomplishing military missions anyhow? Complete conversion of the military to a bunk-bedding program for flamers is clearly more important than protecting the nation.
And it's always been said that everyone likes a man in uniform.... Then it'd be true.
Posted by: rethman | March 30, 2010 9:58 PM | Report abuse
Mr Gates. This is absolutely wrong. JUST abolish DADT stop playing games with people lives and yielding to Homophobes!
President Obama You worked hard to bring Health Care Reform to this nation and that was a challenge. Working to remove DADT may be a challenge too, BUT you can do it for all American Gay men and women fighting in our Armed Services!! These people are citizens of the United States of America. What is it you and Gates don't get??? Abolish DADT and make Gays and Lesbians whole!
Posted by: DominickJ2 | March 31, 2010 11:10 AM | Report abuse
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This is a law that should have never seen the light of day. Stop tweaking a few lines here or there and just rescind the law. Allow any who were victimized by the law to return to service if they choose to do so.
The law is discrimination at its worst, second only to slavery and the black struggle for equality.