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Same Sex Military

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Same Sex Military
SAME SEX MARRIAGES IN THE MILITARY

Same Sex Marriages in the Military
Dating back to the 1900s the United States military discharged Soldiers for homosexuality although some branches of service did not have policies in place regarding service by homosexuals. The military’s viewpoint was that homosexuals were unfit for service and that allowing them to serve would negatively affect military readiness. In 1949, the Department of Defense (DOD) standardized regulations, across the board. The regulation specified that, “Homosexual personnel, irrespective of sex, should not be permitted to serve in any branch of the Armed Forces in any capacity, and prompt separation of known homosexuals from the Armed Forces is mandatory” (cited in Bérubé, …show more content…
It stipulated separation would be the result of any member of the Armed Forces that engaged in homosexual acts. DADT suspended the policy, originated by President Jimmy Carter and implemented by President Ronald Reagan, banning gay and lesbian personnel from service. “DADT reflected tolerance towards homosexuals by allowing them to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States” (Clinton, 1993). An individual’s sexual orientation is personal and does not prevent entry into the military unless it reveals conduct of homosexual nature and, applicants are not required to disclose such …show more content…
Over 12,000 homosexual service members obtained legal services from SLDN during DADT. SLDN dedicated itself to provide legal services through to the end of DADT. For nearly two decades (approximately 17 years) after the implementation of DADT, those discharged under DADT, unsuccessfully, pursued redress through the court system.
The DADT Repeal Act of 2010, signed by President Barack Obama, provided a means for homosexuals to serve in the military, however the DADT policy remained in place until a court order required the suspension of the ban against homosexuality. Prior to execution of the repeal, the conduct of a comprehensive review to assess its overall impact on the military
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