Homosexuals in the Military
Homosexuals in the Military
The United States is one of the last original NATO countries to still ban gays from the military. For years, homosexuals have been denied the right to openly serve America. In this country, just as a man should not be judged by his race, he also should not he be judged by his sexual orientation. In 1990 a survey had been taken and results showed the country consisted of 15% homosexuals. Researchers say this percentage will show an upward curve due to the fact many gays are still very modest about their sexual preference. With such high amount of homosexuals, how could the military declare its exclusion policy on gays moral? Through the years, actions have been made to minimize discrimination within the military, but the ban has yet to be completely lifted. I feel that this is a very important topic, it shows that as much as we deny it, there is still ignorance, separation, and discrimination in this country. Think back to a time when you were discriminated against and felt isolated. Do you remember what a horrible feeling it was? Now imagine how large amounts of American soldiers feel when they are being singled out because of their sexual preference.
In previous years homosexuality was forbidden in the military, though not much has changed, today we have more laws to protect homosexuality. In the early twentieth century homosexuality was considered a crime. People were sentenced to as long as five years. During these times, there were no laws to protect homosexuals in the service. The government issued psychological exams in order to weed out any homosexuals. This put Gays in an awkward position because they only had two choices. They could lie and deny their sexual preference or, admit to their feelings and be sent home in embarrassment and disgrace.
In 1975 one brave man, Sergeant Leonard Matlovich challenged the system. Matlovich was an honorable soldier who served in Vietnam and received multiple awards. He
The United States is one of the last original NATO countries to still ban gays from the military. For years, homosexuals have been denied the right to openly serve America. In this country, just as a man should not be judged by his race, he also should not he be judged by his sexual orientation. In 1990 a survey had been taken and results showed the country consisted of 15% homosexuals. Researchers say this percentage will show an upward curve due to the fact many gays are still very modest about their sexual preference. With such high amount of homosexuals, how could the military declare its exclusion policy on gays moral? Through the years, actions have been made to minimize discrimination within the military, but the ban has yet to be completely lifted. I feel that this is a very important topic, it shows that as much as we deny it, there is still ignorance, separation, and discrimination in this country. Think back to a time when you were discriminated against and felt isolated. Do you remember what a horrible feeling it was? Now imagine how large amounts of American soldiers feel when they are being singled out because of their sexual preference.
In previous years homosexuality was forbidden in the military, though not much has changed, today we have more laws to protect homosexuality. In the early twentieth century homosexuality was considered a crime. People were sentenced to as long as five years. During these times, there were no laws to protect homosexuals in the service. The government issued psychological exams in order to weed out any homosexuals. This put Gays in an awkward position because they only had two choices. They could lie and deny their sexual preference or, admit to their feelings and be sent home in embarrassment and disgrace.
In 1975 one brave man, Sergeant Leonard Matlovich challenged the system. Matlovich was an honorable soldier who served in Vietnam and received multiple awards. He
Bibliography: Bender, David. Homosexuality Opposing Views. San Diego:California, 1993. Oliver, Marilyn Tower. Gay and Lesbian Rights – A Struggle. Springfield: New Jersey, 1998. Wells-Petry, Melissa. Exclusion. Washington: D.C., 1993. Generals and admirals call for repeal of Don 't Ask, Don 't tell. Seattle Gay News. Volume 33, Issue 9, 2005.