Gay service members challenge 'don't ask, don't tell' policy

[wicket]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/07/08/gay_service_members_challenge_dont_ask_dont_tell_policy/

Prosecutors asked a federal judge on Friday to dismiss a challenge to the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay service members, saying only Congress has the power to change the rule it enacted 12 years ago.

The lawyer for a dozen former service members who were dismissed from the military for being gay said "don't ask, don't tell" violates their constitutional rights to privacy, free speech and equal protection under the law.

Established in 1993 under the Clinton administration, the policy prohibits the military from asking about the sexual orientation of service members but requires the discharge of those who acknowledge being gay or engaging in homosexual activity.

The former service members sued the government, arguing that the policy is clearly discriminatory. On Friday, U.S. District Judge George O'Toole heard arguments in the Bush administration's motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

[AllegroRondo]

1. While I dont agree with the ban

I dont think this lawsuit has much of a chance. You give up your rights to privacy, free speech, and equal protection when you sign the military contract.

[ck4829]

2. Not letting gay people in the army caused 9/11

They fired many translators simply because they were gay!

Thanks a lot, stupid RW'ers.

[David__77]

3. I'm gay and I support the ban on homosexual service members.

There are truly important struggles for lesbian and gay rights rather than trying to gain the "right" to serve as cannon fodder in criminal, immoral and unjust wars of aggression abroad. There is no "right" to kill for imperialism.

[Emerson]

4. As a gay person

I have mixed feelings. I want people to be able to join if they want to, but at the same time I wouldn't want to be out on patrol alone with 3 bigots who think it would be good if an "Iraqi sniper" killed "the fag". I know there has to be some freaks in the service who would do it.

[dkofos]

5. They should drop the suit

Being gay is the only way left to get out of the military
Except for dying

[Emerson]

7. Actually that's not true

I ran in to a recruiter outside an army recruitment place. He asked me if I wanted to join. I told him I was gay and his response was "So? Just don't tell anyone. You can still join."

[Massacure]

9. But if you get drafted and admit to being gay you get kicked out.

Getting kicked out after 10 years of experience is a bad thing, but getting kicked out after 3 months isn't.

[Deja Q]

6. I signed a petititon at Pride on this

People are there to fight and die. Not to hit on each other.

It's not my fault that the hetero officers and soldiers often get caught harassing, fondling, or raping the women officers and soldiers...

[John Q. Citizen]

8. I wonder why more soldiers don't just claim they are gay. Why fight

a losing battle for consciencous objection or on another legal issue, when claiming you are gay gets you out?

I knew a guy in High chool during the Nam war who drew pictures of penises on his draft notice return envelope, and he was an instant 4f.

Also, if enough people did this, how long before the military begs to change the rules?