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Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal: A Matter of “When,” Not “If”
By Kilian Melloy
EDGE Contributor
January 21, 2009
On the surface, it looks like a virtual replay of 1993: a newly elected President says he wants to integrate the military fully, allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve their country openly and proudly, and troops in uniform protest the idea.
But times have changed, and while then-President Clinton saw his initiative to integrate America's volunteer military ended with a much-lambasted compromise, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which allows gay and lesbian servicemembers only as long as they do not admit to the truth of their sexuality, current President Barack Obama may face less rhetoric -- and considerably less opposition -- if, as expected, he forges ahead with repealing the ban on openly gay troops.
Many things have changed since Clinton's presidency was young, and American attitudes toward gays has evolved considerably. Some of that new view of homosexuals and homosexuality has percolated into the uniformed ranks.
But for some, things have not changed much at all in that time. As was the case 16 years ago, some members of the military shudder at the idea of serving alongside out, proud, and uniformed gays and lesbians.
For some, it's a matter of morality: noted a Jan. 21 Reuters article posted at the Web site of radio station WZZO 95.1, America's volunteer military is drawn largely from so-called "red" states, which tend toward greater social and religious conservatism. That often includes the belief that homosexuality is a choice, and a sinful one at that.
The Reuters article quoted Texas native Specialist Joseph Watson as saying that the inclusion of openly gay troops "might cause a lot of problems."
Though Watson described himself as "pretty excited" that America had its first African American president, the soldier considered the issue of homosexuality to be "a big moral issue."
"It's giving the OK, saying that being gay is all right," added Watson, 30.
"Personally, I don't think being gay is OK."
But that message just might be the one that wins the day in the battle over who may serve the nation in uniform.
The Reuters article also quoted Robert Gibbs, a spokesperson for the Obama team, as saying earlier this month, "You don't hear politicians give a one-word answer much," in reply to a question about whether Obama intended to do away with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
"But it's 'Yes,'" Gibbs concluded.
Critics of the ban, including prominent (albeit retired) military leaders, have cited various reasons why the time has come for full integration of the armed forces. But one of the most pressing reasons is that in the long prosecution of two wars, America needs more boots on the ground. Politicians are wary of reviving the draft; allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly could mean a new surge in enlistments.
Still, for Christians in uniform, a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" could be uncomfortable. The Reuters article cited Specialist Justin Scharan, who hails from Washington state, as saying, "I'm Christian, so I really don't believe it's a good thing.
"But if it happens, there's not much we can do."
Except, perhaps, adapt: as the war in Iraq has dragged on, a slow but perceptible shift has taken place in the ranks, with some gay soldiers not bothering to hide their sexual identities and their colleagues and superiors quickly finding that the much-warned-of decline in morale has not resulted.
The Reuters article quoted a soldier who requested anonymity, saying, "Put it this way: if they're willing to fight for their country, to me, it doesn't make a difference.
"Everybody has a right to defend their country, even if they are gay."
Something else that has changed since 1993: Gay troops now have an organization that speaks on their behalf and advocates for a change in the law.
In a Jan. 15 news release, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a watchdog and advocate for gay troops, quoted SLDN executive director Aubrey Sarvis, who said, "We were heartened to hear the incoming Obama Administration, as well as the larger-than-life General Honoré, acknowledge that repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will happen.
"In terms of timing, we think repeal is a practical expectation for 2009 -- not in the first 100 days of the new Administration when the economy and foreign policy clearly take center stage -- but doable this year."
Sarvis was referring to a comment made by Russell Honoré, a retired General who served as recovery chief for areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. In a CNN interview, the General said that there was "no doubt" that the military ban on openly gay troops would be repealed.
Added General Honoré, "The question is, when?"
The SLDN release read, on part, "Earlier this week, five members of the Obama Transition Team, all members of the staff managing Department of Defense and national security issues, met with retired Flag Officers at the president-elect's headquarters in Washington.
"A report back on that meeting by the generals and admirals in attendance noted, 'We are all highly encouraged by everything we heard.
"'We all agreed that the opinions and recommendations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are critical to the successful repeal of DADT.
"'It was generally agreed that the Defense Department already has in place rules and regulations that govern conduct and interpersonal relations, and that the current anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies currently in existence for race, gender, religion and ethnicity could be easily modified to include sexual orientation.'"
The release further quoted the report: "'The Transition Team assured us that the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ADM Mullen, is clearly aware of the new Commander-in-Chief's views on the issue and is currently working on it.'"
According to SLDN, well over 12,000 troops have been discharged under the ban's provisions, with an estimated 45,000 prospective troops never having joined up because the ban deterred them from service.
On Jan. 14, SLDN announced plans for a "Freedom to Serve Rally and Lobby Day," scheduled for March 13.
The rally is set to take place on Capitol Hill, and is meant, the Jan. 14 release said, to "advocate for congressional action this year on the 'Military Readiness Enhancement Act,' which would allow all qualified Americans to serve openly regardless of sexual orientation."
Kilian Melloy reviews media, conducts interviews, and writes commentary for EDGEBoston, where he also serves as Assistant Arts Editor.
