Discrimination Against Homosexuals in the Military
01/03/12
English
Discrimination Against Homosexuals in The Military
Since 1993 more than 14,500 service members were fired under the law of ”Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (sldn.org). In 1950, President Harry S. signed the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which set up the discharge rules for homosexual service members. People wanting to serve their country were being discriminated and discharged because of their sexuality. Then in 1982, Ronald Reagan proposed a defense directive that states “Homosexuality is incompatible with military service” and people who engaged in homosexual acts or stated that they were homosexual or bisexual were discharged. In 1992, Bill Clinton, as a presidential candidate, promised to lift the ban. Finally in 1993, when Bill Clinton was elected president, he proposed a compromise that he named “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. This law issued a defense directive that military applicants should not be able to be asked about their sexual orientation (Washington Post). Homosexuals being discriminated in the military have grabbed the attention of people all around the world. The question on whether or not homosexuals should have the right to serve in the military was a hotly debated topic in politics for the past few years. Even after the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, will our society be ready to accept others?
The research started with searching “Homosexuals in the military”. Then “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and personal stories of gays in the military was found. Unfortunately, no books could be found on this topic, but articles from top newspapers became a valid choice. Documentaries and podcasts were also looked at. Good sources were easy to find because the topic was so controversial in the US, so the news articles came in handy. The repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” was all over US news websites, and news clips from YouTube were found.
Last fall, a pentagon study was released that said a majority of the US forces, more than 70%, said
English
Discrimination Against Homosexuals in The Military
Since 1993 more than 14,500 service members were fired under the law of ”Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (sldn.org). In 1950, President Harry S. signed the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which set up the discharge rules for homosexual service members. People wanting to serve their country were being discriminated and discharged because of their sexuality. Then in 1982, Ronald Reagan proposed a defense directive that states “Homosexuality is incompatible with military service” and people who engaged in homosexual acts or stated that they were homosexual or bisexual were discharged. In 1992, Bill Clinton, as a presidential candidate, promised to lift the ban. Finally in 1993, when Bill Clinton was elected president, he proposed a compromise that he named “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. This law issued a defense directive that military applicants should not be able to be asked about their sexual orientation (Washington Post). Homosexuals being discriminated in the military have grabbed the attention of people all around the world. The question on whether or not homosexuals should have the right to serve in the military was a hotly debated topic in politics for the past few years. Even after the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, will our society be ready to accept others?
The research started with searching “Homosexuals in the military”. Then “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and personal stories of gays in the military was found. Unfortunately, no books could be found on this topic, but articles from top newspapers became a valid choice. Documentaries and podcasts were also looked at. Good sources were easy to find because the topic was so controversial in the US, so the news articles came in handy. The repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” was all over US news websites, and news clips from YouTube were found.
Last fall, a pentagon study was released that said a majority of the US forces, more than 70%, said
Cited: Kangas, Steve. "Homosexuality is Biologically Determined." Gay Politics. 7 Nov. 1997. Rpt. In Homosexuality: Opposing viewpoints. Ed. Mary E. Williams. San Diego: Greenhaven, 1999. 17-21 Rachel Kranz, and Tim Cusick. Library in a Book: Gay Rights. New York: facts on file, 2000. www.Pbs.org www.Sldn.org www.Ustoday.com www.WashingtonPost.com