Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Homosexuals in the Military Options

[Simba]

Openly gay people are banned from the military. However, you can be "in the closet" and still serve, as long as you don't reveal your sexual orientation. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is often mentioned in these sort of debates.

If a soldier's homosexuality does happen to be revealed, however, they are to immediately be discharged.

There have been some unfair discharges, however. In one case, one homosexual soldier was harassed with e-mails, and eventually, this anonymous person e-mailed the whole battalion, warning them that there was a homosexual soldier among them. His homosexuality was eventually revealed, and was immediately discharged. His roll in the military was an Arabic translator, which are extremely helpful to have, and not very easy to find.

People supporting the discharging of homosexuals testify that they cannot allow such immoral behaviour within the military. They also say that it is detrimental to the military to have such "unique" individuals (where the goal is to have cohesive groups of soldiers that are preferably as closely alike as possible).

Discuss, please.

[*karmakiller*]

I don't think it should matter if they are or are not homosexual. It shouldn't matter, just because you're a homosexual doesn't mean that you aren't as tough as straight people.

However, I don't think they should be throwing it around if they are a homosexual, because it really doesn't have anything to do with their job. If they are openly gay, a lot of times that will make them the subject of a lot of harassment, so I don't think that there will be gays telling everyone in the military their status and wearing rainbows on their uniforms any time soon.

I know people will disagree with me, but it's true. I've heard stories that I never really wanted to

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you were gay and in the military why would be throwing it out there and showing your gay pride? They'd get harassed so badly and, like I already said, it has nothing to do with their job (unless if they get lonely in the desert or something and start checking another soldier out).

[Simba]

I don't think it should matter if they are or are not homosexual. It shouldn't matter, just because you're a homosexual doesn't mean that you aren't as tough as straight people.

However, I don't think they should be throwing it around if they are a homosexual, because it really doesn't have anything to do with their job. If they are openly gay, a lot of times that will make them the subject of a lot of harassment, so I don't think that there will be gays telling everyone in the military their status and wearing rainbows on their uniforms any time soon.

I know people will disagree with me, but it's true. I've heard stories that I never really wanted to

Nah, I agree with you completely. It's the same with women. You're not supposed to be going around seducing other men (or women, for that matter).

The thing is, as soon as someone finds out you're gay, you're out.

They'd get harassed so badly and, like I already said, it has nothing to do with their job (unless if they get lonely in the desert or something and start checking another soldier out).

That's some Brokeback Mountain ish right there.