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Washington Post, Letter to the Editor: Standing Up for Gay Rights

Standing Up for Gay Rights
Friday, October 16, 2009

In 1989, as commanding officer of a Navy carrier-based squadron, I used my authority to block attempts by my executive officer to demean and prosecute a man because he thought the sailor was gay. I would not allow such harassment.

The sailor in question had an outstanding performance record and was serving his country with honor. What possible difference did it make whom he loved?

It's time for the people of this country to show some courage in the face of the bigots who would shame, condemn, abuse or demean gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens.

As Americans, we are all pledged to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Accordingly we are legally and morally bound to enact legislation that ensures the law shall be applied equally to all of us, regardless of our differences and especially if those differences incite prejudice in others.

Anything less is gay-bashing. I hope the citizens of this country do not continue to dishonor my military service by continuing to permit gay-bashing.

ROBERT J. McNAMARA
Hilliard, Ohio

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