Abstract In this article the writer eplains that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) is a military policy where gay, lesbian and bisexual members are required to keep their sexual orientation private and not engage in any sexual activities or conduct that would purport a homosexual lifestyle. This paper analyzes how this policy has failed to integrate homosexuals in the armed forces and has instead exacerbated the issues surrounding the gay ban in the US armed forces. The writer maintains that the DADT, irrespective of whether it had good intentions, has failed. The writer concludes that there is a need for changes in the United States Constitution if gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgender are to be integrated in the armed forces, since Congress has the power to deny individuals these rights.
Outline:
Introduction
A Brief History: Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass
The Failure of the DADT Policy
From the Paper "The United States is considered one of the most economically advanced countries in the free world; however, they are lagging when it comes to changing policies that stand to benefit the overall economy. As stated by Belkin, increasing amounts of countries are allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the armed forces. Belkin shows that Australia, Canada, Israel, and Britain reversed its gay ban and have transitioned into countries that now have service members that are integrated into the armed forces, irrespective of sexual orientation. Unlike popular anti-gay individuals speculated there was no mass upheavals or unstable periods, when the gay ban was reversed, in fact many homosexuals still preferred not to share the fact that they were gay. With the DADT policy in place, it is unlikely that the United States will ever come close to the removal of gay bans in the armed forces as these countries have."
Abstract This paper analyzes the impact of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on homosexuals in the military and considers policy alternatives. The paper discusses the necessary objectives of a new policy and looks at how the policy should meet the needs of homosexuals in the service, meet the needs of the military, and bring the policy more in line with the current legal and social standards regarding the status of homosexuals.
Table of Contents:
Purpose
Summary
Background/Discussion
Policy Goals
Alternatives
Recommendations
From the Paper "It is critical that the legislation that will replace Don't Ask Don't Tell meet all of our policy objectives. For this to occur we need to make sure that the issue has been given adequate study. The sensitive nature of the subject demands that all possible objections and problems be met with informed, reasoned responses immediately. At present, we are not convinced that this is the case - the focus seems more on repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell than on how it would be replaced."
