Washington, D.C. – Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced new regulations yesterday on enforcing the law, stating that homosexuals are not eligible to serve in the military. The regulations limit the evidence that will be allowed and requires busy high-ranking officers to handle discharge procedures. The Pentagon’s legal counsel stressed that this does not change or place a moratorium on the law.
Concerned Women for America CEO Penny Nance said, “This will create more confusion and fear among military members. Members of the military already fear punishment for agreeing with the federal law that homosexuals in the military ‘would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion.’ ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ muddled the law by barring asking the key question of those joining the military as to whether or not they are homosexual. Following the law would alleviate some of the problems the military currently faces with people trying to live a secret or a double life. Instead, the brass decided to issue new regulations that will make it more difficult for – or, even worse, harm the careers of – people who try to uphold the law.”
CWA President Wendy Wright said, “Our military should have one objective: to keep America safe. The primary standard of any policy regarding the military should be ‘will it improve the effectiveness of those charged with keeping our country safe?’ This change in enforcement will make it more difficult to follow up on reports of unlawful behavior or domestic or physical abuse if they are committed by a homosexual – which is not ‘humane’ to those who suffer from the abuse. The job of the military – and the ability to do that job – is too important to be subject to the demands of a special interest group.”