Last month Congress ended the military’s discriminatory policy Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. This policy allowed gay men and women to serve in the United States Armed Forces(military) but maintained they keep their sexual orientation a secret. Many advocates of this policy failed to realize that although this policy did indeed allow gays and lesbians to serve, it did so on an implied discriminatory front. They could serve so long as they kept their sexual orientation a secret, did not discuss nor engage in homosexual acts, or relationships while enlisted.Many people failed to realize that the law also stated that a person could be discharged if found out to be homosexual or to have engaged in homosexual acts while enlisted.
For years civil rights leaders and gay rights groups have placed pressure on the President and members of Congress to abolish this law. The Obama Administration pledged that it would end DADT on its watch. Although some have criticized the Obama Administration for what they have called a “slow response” to these and other gay and lesbian civil rights issues, we as Americans can be proud to now say that under Obama’s Administration this unfair policy was terminated. Many right-wing proponents of this policy have in the past attempted to justify their discriminatory and narrow views by using biblical justification, the cohesion of family, and other means to advance their narrow views. The lesson of acceptance, tolerance, justice, equality, and fairness can be taught utilizing an effective means to educate.
Although this law has been repealed, it should be noted that it did not come without heavy opposition. Why in the United States of America a land whose Consititution boldly states “liberty and justice for all” did this former law even pass. The answer is quite simple. Society has proven itself over and over in the past that it was not ready to accept nor advance the equality of gays and lesbians. However, in the last decade, the Gay Rights Movement and those who advocate on the behalf of other “minorities” have gained substantial ground.
We as members of the gay community and society wholehardedly commend President Obama members of Congress and others who lobbied, wrote letters, and raised funds in hopes of defeating this discriminatory law. We value the commitment of. our gay rights leaders, mentors, advisors and youth and stand firm in the commitment to making this world a more tolerant, fair and equal place not just for some but for all.
