Gays in the Military

A recent report indicates that more military personnel who have been identified as gay are being allowed to remain in the service. The news is welcome, but it is not enough.

Sexual orientation should not disqualify anyone from serving in the military. Under the current policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” military personnel can be discharged merely for being gay, independent of any behavior. This makes little sense.

A policy that forbids fraternization—romantic or sexual relationships between military personnel—is understandable, assuming it applies to heterosexual and homosexual relationships alike. Anti-fraternization policies are difficult to apply consistently in practice, but at least they address on the job conduct rather than sexual orientation per se.

As the country’s attitude toward homosexuality has evolved, so has the military’s. Resistance to ending the ban on gays appear to have weakened substantially. It is time to end the ban once and for all.