Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

The event, organized by SLDN Military Advisory Committee member and Georgetown Adjunct Professor Tom Fields, was an opportunity for Americans to hear how allied nations integrated gay troops into their militaries. The take away message of the evening was -- allowing openly gay service in the armed forces has been a non-event in those countries. While each nation did weather some adjustments, none of the dire doomsday predictions turned out to be true (no mass resignations, no problems with recruitment, no spike in violence). In fact, the experiences of last night’s speakers was, readiness and cohesion has increased because their service members are no longer required to lie. So, where does this leave the United States military? Unfortunately I think it leaves our military operating under an antiquated law that hinders their ability to recruit, train and retain patriotic Americans who want to serve our country. I often have heard from staff on Capital Hill that the US military is different from other countries militaries and that is why we cannot lift the ban. I think that is a hard argument to swallow when confronted by an Australian NCO who was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by the US military while he was stationed in Iraq last year working with US military troops. He contributed just as much to the fight for freedom as his US counterparts – he just did not have to hide who he was while he accomplished his mission. And, what about the British and Canadian troops who are working hand-in-hand with our units in Afghanistan and Iraq. How insulting is it to our coalition partners to say that they can lift their bans without problems because they are somehow less of a military than the US military? Forget insulting, this argument just does not make sense. As the panelist from Israel commented – there has never been a time in Israel’s existence where they have not been under siege and yet they have been able to integrate openly gay service members into their units to the benefit of effectiveness and cohesion. Last night I saw a light. We are quickly approaching a time when the tired, lame and specious arguments in favor of banning lesbians and gays are overwhelmed by the mounting evidence that it doesn’t work and detrimental to our military. It is time for Congress to catch up to the American people on this issue and repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” It is time to do the right thing.

-Kathi Wescott