For years now, the United States military has had a policy of "don't ask, don't tell" when it comes to homosexuality in the armed services. That means that any gay or lesbian soldier or sailor must keep his/her sexuality a secret or be unceremoniously kicked out of the military. This is not only unequal and morally wrong, but it has cost the military branches thousands of capable men and women who were doing an extraordinary job for their country.
This ridiculous and unfair policy should have been ended years ago, but it looks like there may be a chance to finally get it done this year. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pennsylvania), who served in both Bosnia and Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star, says he will submit an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill that is currently being considered in Congress. President Obama has agreed to support the amendment, which will not take effect until after the military completes its study of how to implement the change (about December 1st).
It looks like the amendment has a very good chance of being approved in the House, where Democrats have a substantial majority. It's in the Senate that the bill may have some problems. Most Republicans oppose the measure, and the Family Research Council is lobbying heavily to defeat the measure. They say it will hurt the military's effectiveness, because soldiers and sailors will not want to serve with gays and lesbians (although there have always been homosexuals in the military).
Murphy believes that is a silly argument. He says, "Straight men and women in our armed forces, this argument asserts, aren't professional enough to serve with gay troops while doing their jobs. As a former Army officer, that is an insult to me and, more important, to my fellow soldiers still serving -- gay and straight alike." He is right. Those opposed to equality in the Armed Services are just trying to impose their own homophobia onto our courageous and professional soldiers and sailors.
This is not the time for homophobia and fear. We are talking about nothing less than the equality and decent treatment of young men and women who are willing to lay down their lives to defend our country and Constitution. It is only right that we treat them with dignity and fairness. Anything less is unthinkable.
It is time to do away with the very flawed policy of "don't ask, don't tell". Now. No more delay.
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