Frontlines, the SLDN Blog

Church Defends Decision on Gay Vet’s Funeral

An update to our blog entry on Friday... Dallas Morning News printed a follow-up story on Sunday with further details of the story. A response was posted on our blog by Paul Wagner, the Navy Vet's partner. The same response was posted on several other sites featuring the story and gives a very different side of the story than what the church was claiming. As the details are coming to light, the fact remains that Cecil Sinclair's memorial service was first offered then retracted based on his sexual orientation. Reverand Gary Simons read a lengthy statement before his congregation on Sunday. "The issue is not whether we hold a memorial service in a lifestyle of sin. We've assisted many families in this regard. The issue is whether we would allow an openly homosexual memorial service in our church. We love the homosexual, but cannot condone the homosexual lifestyle. We could not allow homosexuality to be glorified in this house of worship." Granted, I respect religion, but being a Hebrew Linguist, I have had a chance to do some extensive research on the bible and what it DOESN'T say about homosexuality. Eh hemm... The bible has been interpreted to condone all sorts of things like slavery, and the role-or lack of-of women. But that is a whole 'nother can of worms... With respect to the church and thier beliefs, our deepest condolences to Cecil's partner and family and hope that his memory is honored for his service to his family, to his partner, and to his country. - Jason Knight

Labels: funeral, veterans

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08-13-07 Comment (0)

HRC/Logo Debate Still Going

Senator Chris Dodd appeared on his own HRC/Logo debate this weekend when a new page went up on his presidential campaign website answering questions from Friday nights debate. What was he doing Friday night? Excerpt: Question 11. Would you repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell? Yes. I believe that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” prevents people like Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American wounded in the war in Iraq, from being recognized as they should for their heroic acts in defense of our country. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans ought to be able to serve in the armed forces without being required to hide part of their identities from their fellow soldiers. We need every skilled person we can get in the armed forces. Excluding people based on their sexual orientation is ludicrous and would run counter to our national security goals. Bradford Wade made this comment about the Senator's untimely response: If you chose not to participate, I would rather hear that addressed directly and honestly. It's a matter of respect. If your schedule did not permit you to attend, it would have been better if that had been announced: "Chris Dodd regrets that a scheduling conflict prevents him from participating this evening." Maybe I missed it, but I don't even recall your name being mentioned. Check out the full transcript and what Dodd had to say on other issues here. - Jason Knight

Labels: 2008, Chris Dodd, presidential candidates

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08-13-07 Comment (0)

Unions Risky for Military Personnel

As more and more state and local governments recognize same-sex unions, military personnel still need to be very cautious about making their relationships legal in the eyes of the law. As the Associated Press recently reported, there are significant risks for service personnel who choose to register their civil union or, in the case of Massachusetts, wed their partner. "Marriage or attempted marriage" to a person of the same gender is one of the three things (along with statements and acts) that can lead to dismissal under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." SLDN has documented that some commands have attempted to use this provision to discharge service members who have had civil unions, commitment ceremonies, registered as domestic partners or have been seen purchasing rings with their partners. "Michael," of Vancouver, is retired from the Navy and told AP that he is holding off on a domestic partnership with his partner of 10 years, who is currently in the Navy Reserves. "It's just one of those things," he said. "It probably comes from the way you get accustomed to living in the military. It just doesn't come up." It is an unfortunate but real concern for military couples. Civil union registries and marriage licenses are public documents, available to the Department of Defense. Registering your partnership, if the Pentagon becomes aware of it, could ultimately mean the end of a military career. Service personnel with questions about civil unions, domestic partnership or marriage should contact SLDN at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. - Steve Ralls

Labels: civil unions, in the news, legal aid

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08-13-07 Comment (0)

Debating the Ban in Air Force Times

On July 23, Lt. Col. Robert Blair wrote a letter to the editor of The Air Force Times asserting that lesbian and gay Americans should not be allowed to serve openly in the armed forces. His letter, in response to a statement by former Congressman Bob Barr advocating repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," read as follows: In response to the June 25 column “It’s time to let gays serve” by former Rep. Bob Barr [Frontlines], his opinion has no weight. He goes through the usual list of reasons why gays should be allowed to serve — basically saying “because we need them.” He is not on a Navy ship where a seaman “hot bunks” (shares a bed among three shifts where one guy wakes another and takes his hot bunk as they change shifts). He is not in a foxhole with a gay soldier. He is not in cockpit with a gay airman. He is not in the gang latrine or group shower or doing group activities requiring close contact. I respect the fact that he used to be a congressman; however, I don’t see where he has a dog in this fight. According to his biography, Barr never served in the military. Just because America is becoming more immoral doesn’t make sin acceptable. I don’t want to sound like a fanatic by quoting the Bible, but it is clear, as are the Quran and most other religious doctrine. Homosexuality is a sin. Hollywood liberals can whine all they want about equality and minority groups, but it won’t change that. Gays don’t belong in the military. Blair's letter set off a debate among Times readers about the issue, with two particularly compelling responses. The first was from retired Master Sgt. Daniel L. Jones, who wrote that, I disagree with Lt. Col. Robert Blair’s statement that gays should not serve in the military [“Gays should never serve,” Letters, July 23]. Not only are they serving now, but they have been serving for quite a while. And they have been doing it honorably. In fact, I am confident in saying that Blair has probably served with gay service members during his career. I know of several gay veterans who served in Vietnam in the foxholes he mentioned. The only thing they were thinking about as the enemy was shooting at them was doing their duty. I also know several gay Navy veterans who shared the hot bunk, including a submariner. And gays are in aircraft, as well. Several left the service decorated for heroism under fire. Let’s not forget Brig. Gen. Virgil A. Richard; Rear Adm. Alan M. Steinman; and Brig. Gen. Keith H. Kerr, all gay retired service members. Many of the arguments to exclude gays were used in the past to justify the discrimination against and segregation of blacks and women in the service. The arguments are tired and worn. Since Blair brings religious belief into the discussion, don’t forget the Bible has also been used in to support slavery and the subjugation of women. Does he still hold to these views? Also, there are Christian churches that not only accept gays but ordain them. And so Blair doesn’t think I disagree because I’m gay: I’m not, I just don’t like discrimination. Senior Airman David Weindel also weighed in, writing that, In response to the July 23 letter submitted by Lt. Col. Robert Blair, I am appalled not only by the prejudice, but by the bigotry displayed by Lt. Col. Blair. Homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice. More and more studies are showing that the brains of homosexuals react differently than those of their straight counterparts. Col. Blair implied that homosexuality is somehow a sin, yet in the animal kingdom it can be observed that nearly every animal group exhibits homosexual activity to varying degrees. Furthermore, to base his opinion not on good science, but instead on hearsay, Col. Blair shows the true depth of his ignorance on the matter. To quote his response, “He is not on a Navy ship where a seaman ‘hot bunks,’” and “he is not in a foxhole with a gay soldier.” These statements are hauntingly reminiscent of the excuses used to justify exclusion and discrimination of women and minorities from the military. To think that when you are in a foxhole being shot at, a gay airman is going to “make an advance” at you is ridiculous and unrealistic. Under these circumstances, survival will be the only concern for both a straight airman and a gay one. Liberals are not the only people fighting for equality. What scares me most is the fact that, while a leader in a highly diverse military, Col. Blair closes his mind to reality and chooses to lead with myths. I can honestly say as a straight male serving in the military I would not have any problems or concerns serving next to a homosexual. To demean a person who wants to answer the call of his nation to protect the freedoms he and you enjoy, Col. Blair, is completely and utterly wrong. LGBT service personnel can take heart that there are many speaking out, in public forums, in support of their service. In fact, there seems to be a rapidly growing consensus among military personnel that lifting the ban is the right thing to do. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news

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08-12-07 Comment (0)

No Funeral for Navy Vet

If this doesn't get your blood boiling, then you must already be dead. Forty-Six year old Cecil Sinclair died Monday from complications after a preventative operation for a heart transplant. The Navy Veteran served in Desert Storm rescuing downed pilots. Dallas Morning News reports that Mr. Sinclair was denied funeral service at High Point Church after Reverend Gary Simons discovered Cecil was gay through photos of him and his partner in a compilation intended to be used for the service. Sinclair's partner, Paul Wagner, was not contacted by the church about the change in arrangements. "We all knew it," she said. "We knew it and accepted it," said Sinclair's mother about her son's sexual orientation. Equating this man to a murderer, his family was turned away was forced to find a local funeral home to hold the event Thursday night. The church even sent food and the video montage-minus the 'questionable' photos. Is there no more respect for the dead? Where is the outcry for a man who served his country? Where are the Veterans at to support one of their own? Where is the Commander in Chief to take care of one of his sailors? In the Navy, we take care of our shipmates until the very end, where are they? And why hasn't this gotten more attention? In my time in the Ceremonial Guard, I had the privilege to lay to rest over 2500 shipmates in Arlington Cemetery-whatever background they may have had-they were taken care of. Instead, this man is turned away because of who he was in love with. This is outrageous! -Jason Knight

Labels: funeral, veterans

08-10-07 Comment (3)

The Morning After (And a Little More News)

Yes, we're a little tired from staying up a little too late last night after the LOGO presidential forum. But we had a blast . . . and thank you to everyone who logged on for our first-ever live-blogging event. The SLDN staff had a terrific time bringing you the latest news and insights from the forum (as exhibited via the photo here), and we hope you enjoyed joining the discussion online. Local FOX affiliate WTTG covered the SLDN blogging live on the 10pm news, and you can watch their coverage online here. Also surf over to the Channel 7 website for last night's top story on the 6pm news. Reporter Scott Thuman takes a look at the future of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and changing attitudes in Congress about repeal. Then, let us know your thoughts about how last night went, what you thought about the candidates' stances and what left you wanting more. Leave your feedback here in the comments section. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news, live-blogging

08-10-07 Comment (1)

Honoring DeBold

Congratulations to SLDN interim executive director Kathleen DeBold (pictured), who will be honored by the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club with their 2007 Justice Award. Kathleen, who previously served as executive director of the Mautner Project for Lesbian Health, will be honored at a ceremony in Washington on Thursday, September 13th. The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club is the voice of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Democrats in the District of Columbia. Established in 1976, Gertrude Stein is one of the oldest Democratic clubs in the District and is a founding chapter of the National Stonewall Democrats. The group's Justice Award was created to recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding work to advance the rights of the LGBT community and promote justice and equality for LGBT individuals. - Steve Ralls

Labels: kathleen debold

08-10-07 Comment (1)

LOGO Debate Round up

Thank you to all of the participants in tonight's forum. For a gay kid from Michigan, to have the chance to sit and watch the future President of the United States talk proudly and openly about my issues and my life.....well it means a lot, perhaps it means a lot to you too? America is an amazing, complex, strange, and wonderful place, and it is changing -- changing for the better. Thank you all and may God bless. Winner: For my money, it's Gravel....he may face significant challenges in his campaign for the White House, but his humanism and common decency shine through. Runners-up: Senator Clinton, practical, powerful...Presidential! If you are LGB or T it is hard not to love Dennis Kucinich. You see, he loves us and we love him and all that love is lovely. Peace, man! Highlights: Ethridge 'coming out' as a rich, white woman! Classic! Senator Edwards saying “I think we need to get rid of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ [The ban] is not just wrong now; it was wrong when it began; it was wrong the whole time. . . it is bad for America and in fact bad for the military. . . . I can tell you that I am firmly committed to eliminating ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” Congressman Dennis Kucinich telling the audience that, “We should ensure that all men and women who wish to serve in the armed forces are allowed to do so by repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” Governor Richardson, adding that, “When you have an America that is asking men and women to fight and die, the last thing you need to do is give them a lecture on sexual orientation.” Senator Clinton, saying “I want to get [repeal] done when I’m President. I want to do it, and I want to be successful. . . . We’re talking about what steps we can take to lay the groundwork so that when we do have a change in the White House . . . we will be able to move on that. It is one of my highest priorities.” Clinton adding that “we need to judge people based on conduct and not status. . . . I think we will lay the groundwork and then when I am President we will get it done, and I’m looking forward to that.” Obama, speaking to reporters after his on-air appearance said that he would “call on the Joint Chiefs of Staff to have them call for an end to . . . ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell.’” -Victor Maldoando

Labels: 2008, live-blogging, presidential candidates

08-09-07 Comment (1)

Blogging…Clinton

10:36pm A lawyer, mother, First Lady and Senator, Hillary Clinton is almost as multi-faceted as Madonna. And everyone knows how much we LOVE Madonna. Long considered to be a strong supporter of LGBT rights within her husband’s administration, Hillary’s first public words on the subject came during her campaign against, then Senate candidate, Rudy Giuliani. In December 1999, the New York Times reported that Hillary told supporters that the 'don't ask, don't tell’ policy, intended to make it easier for gay men and lesbians to serve in the military, had been a failure. (BTW….for those of you watching the GOP debates….read the whole NYT piece and check out Rudy’s reaction to Hillary). In every campaign she has run, Hillary has championed the rights of lesbian and gay service members, and she has even gone as far as identifying “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as the one thing she would change about her husbands Administration. President Hillary Clinton would certainly repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and so the question, to paraphrase Sen. Clinton herself, “is she your girl?” -Jason QUOTES: SOLMONESE: Senator, thank you for being here tonight. You've said in past settings like this and all across the country that you would like to repeal "Don't ask; don't tell." Now, since 2003 you've sat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the committee that would decide this issue. Why haven't you introduced legislation to repeal this policy? CLINTON: Well, Joe, first, thanks for doing this and thanks for everybody being here and having this forum. I think the very simple answer is we didn't have a chance with the Republican Congress and George Bush as president. And I want to get it done when I'm president. I want to do it and have it be successful. I don't want to try in a Republican Congress with a very negative president and have it defeated. We're talking now that we have a Democratic Congress about what steps we can take to sort of lay the groundwork so that when we do have a change in the White House, which can't happen too soon to suit me... (APPLAUSE) ... we will be able to move on that. But I just want to put it into a broader context, because it's one of my highest priorities. I came out against "Don't ask; don't tell" in 1999. It was a transitional action that was taken back at the beginning of my husband's administration, because at the time there was such a witch hunt going on. COMMENTS: Hillary takes on DADT from the top....nice!! Great responce....she addresses her history with the issue as First Lady embraces the principle of gay rights without touching any of the bad decisions and back room comprimises that Bill Clinton made. Judge them on conduct not status...that is great support Senator Clinton! Etheridge asks the hard question....what about the promises that have been made? What is different today? How are you different? Good question...perhaps I've underestimated Etheridge?!? Hillary Clinton takes on Gen. Pace, and she's right....goodbye Gen. Pace, enjoy your retierment and don't let the door hit you in the rear! On a personal note...I may still be a registered Republican but I've got to admit, Hillary....you're my girl -Victor Maldonado GUEST COMMENTS: Hillary took the first shot on DADT and fired right back. She understands the issue, grasps the nuances, and realizes what’s changed over the last 14 years. The Senator made it clear that she realized ever since 1999 that DADT was no longer an acceptable compromise. Most importantly, she demonstrated the conviction and political savvy that convinces me that she can make a difference. Indeed, she seems prepared to finish what her husband started: giving all able-bodied Americans the freedom to serve. Colonel (Ret), US Army

Labels: 2008, Hillary Clinton, presidential candidates

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08-09-07 Comment (0)