Gov't quietly changes rules on sexual orientation and security clearances

[readmoreoften]

This is a copy of a post from the GLBT forum. I thought it was of enough general importance that the rest of DU might want to know.

Here's the original thread.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=29986&mesg_id=29986

Government quietly changes rules on sexual orientation and security clearances

Newly revised guidelines issued by President Bush's National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley (right) once again allow consideration of sexual orientation when issuing security clearances. This information was first reported today by the news site Raw Story (Full Story: U.S. quietly tightens access to classified information). The language change between the 1997 version and the 2005 guidelines is seemingly minor:

1997: Rules stated that sexual orientation “may not be used” as a basis for disqualifying applicants.

2005: The revision states that clearances cannot be denied "solely on the basis of the sexual orientation of the individual."Text


Full Story:
http://pageoneq.com/news/2006/rules_031306.html

[readmoreoften]

1. Kick for the gays who are going to be denied jobs.

And for the nation that's going to be less safe because we don't hire the most qualified people.

[Warren DeMontague]

2. Wow. Lucky for Jeff Gannon he made it in before they shut the door!

:crazy:

[file83]

3. So these new rules basically mean you can only discriminate

based on sexual orientation only if you can tag on something else...

"Your clearance was turned down because you are Gay and...

...have an Air America bumper sticker on your car."
...forgot to wear your little American flag lapel pin."
...a Democrat."
...don't dress well."
...a Muslim."
...your name is Ken Mehlman."
...Gay."

[Dunvegan]

4. I think you're right...but mainly they'll use gay plus...

...homosexual as grounds.

Bastards. Again.

[readmoreoften]

5. I'm a lesbian. Female and gay should be grounds enough. n/t

[xchrom]

6. here's what drives me crazy -- how many of these tapeworms have been hired

and believe the facsist horseshit that this admin puts out and will be around after?

this stuff just bothers me to no end.

sexism and homophobia is so rampant anymore.

[sutz12]

7. And the problem is.....

so many people will believe that they are security risks because they are gay, when the only reason they would be security risks is because our oppressive culture makes them vulnerable to blackmail because they have to hide their sexual orientation.

Nice Catch-22 for the guv'mint to depend on. :evilgrin:

[izzie]

8. Back to the 50's.

As it nears the end of Bush's 8 years I feel we will see more of this? By the way did Norton leave because of the oil spill in Alaska? You have to hunt for it as I have not seem it on cable. Read in in Anchorage paper.

[donheld]

9. Our country is in a very sorry state

And far too few care.

[Sperk]

10. So Rove finally lost his security clearence?

Guess they're not expecting anymore Jimmy/Geff's at the
White House.