Gays in the Military: Yay or Nay?

The recent statement from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, stating that "homosexuality is immoral" has set off widespread debate about why gays are not allowed to be open about their sexual preference if they wish to serve in the military. The military's current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy states that gays cannot disclose their sexual preference and cannot commit homosexual acts while serving in the military. If they violate these rules, they risk being discharged from the military.

General Pace's statement was widely viewed as degrading to gays and lesbians by the homosexual community, and General Pace was quick to apologize for his misunderstood statement. However, this has several people questioning why homosexuals are not allowed to open about their preference in the military. Some, as General Pace has already stated, believe the reason is because it is immoral and compare it to adultery, which is also not allowed in the military. Others believe that gays and lesbians should not be allowed to serve in the military at all. Most of the gay and lesbian community want the military to get rid of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military.

However, not one person has publicy stated the real reason for the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which was created under the Clinton Administration. This reason alone should convince most readers that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is not a anti-homosexual policy and should remain in effect for years to come. However, I know there will be critics to my reasoning and some will brand me a homo-phobe or a gay basher, which I am neither. I have friends who are homosexual and I am kind to them, although I do not share their desires. I respect their decision and do not interfere with their choices. However, that's another story. To further understand the reasoning behind "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," let's take a look at different policies throughout the military regarding males and females at first.