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.

[Simba]

Some people are not comfortable changing, showering, sleeping, and living with homosexuals. If a person is openly gay, not only would he make others uncomfortable, but he would call for unwanted attention to himself. What good would that do for anyone?

Homosexuality itself should not be an issue in the military, but the discussion of it or confession of it should be controlled.

Its the military, not your mother's house. Life is not fair, and the military isn't there to make you feel good about yourself. If a soldier feels proud enough to absolutely have to display his sexuality to other soldiers despite the obvious fact that it makes some uncomfortable, he should be responsible for its circumstances. If you want to serve your country, serve it. Confessing yourself has nothing to do with serving, and if it lowers productivity, it should be avoided for the sake of serving peacefully.

But do women sleep, shower, and so on with men? They have their own quarters. Gay's don't, they stay with the rest of the men at all times. Besides, its not the homosexual's who'd have the problems, it would be the straight men who'd feel uncomfortable soaping their ass around someone who could be potentially attracted to them.

While I disagree with the fact that homosexuals that are revealed are instantly discharged, I think that having a policy of keeping your sexuality, whether it be homo or hetero, is better for all.

Allowing homosexuals to serve does not, in any way, mean that there is "immoral behavior" either. It's the straight man's choice to have butt-sex with a gay man if it happens.

Agreed and agreed.