57% of Americans say Gays should serve openly in the military - By: Gary Cosby

In 1993, as a compromise to an outright ban on gays in the U.S. military, the Clinton administration implemented a law that allowed America’s gay men and women to serve their country - as long as they kept their sexuality a secret.

Since then more than 13,000 American military personnel have been discharged from service simply for ‘admitting’ they are gay.

This shocking figure includes service men and women with skills deemed crucial to the military such as linguists, combat engineers and pilots.

The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ has become a high profile issue and one that the Obama administration has promised to, but as yet, has not overturned.

A new national survey carried out by Quinnipiac University indicates that the American public believes the policy is wrong and discriminatory.

Voters polled think gays and lesbians should be aloud to serve openly in the military by a 57% to 36% margin. An overwhelming majority of 66% feel that ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ amounts to discrimination. However, 54% say gays in the military should face restrictions on exhibiting their sexual orientation on the job.

Earlier this month the US military’s highest-ranking uniformed officer publicly denounced DADT calling for its withdrawal.

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Senate Armed Services Committee that repeal of the law is “the right thing to do” and that he personally was “troubled” by a policy which makes servicemen "lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens."

Last month during a State of the Union Address President Obama stated that he will work with Congress and the military to "finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are."

Most western military forces have removed policies that exclude sexual minority members. In the UK Gays and lesbians have been allowed to serve openly in the military for over a decade. Initial fears that it would lead to a breakdown of discipline and cohesion within units proved unfounded.

About the Author

For weekly gay news, chat and soundbites visit http://www.mand8.com http://www.mand8.com

Gary Cosby is company copy, media and technical writer. His weekly news blogs Mand8 Out-Takes and Maleforce Flasher feature international news articles. Gary also provides site copy for social networking websites mand8.com and maleforce.com

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