A stupid law meant to deliberately discriminate against a specific group is now OFF the books. Peace be with all those who have served, do serve, and will serve. You are all loved, not just for what you do, but for who you are. ♥
People act like Don't Ask Don't Tell was a huge mistake, when before DADT, the law was Go Ahead and Ask, Don't Tell. DADT was a compromise stop-gap measure because Clinton couldn't get passed what he wanted to get passed.
Progress moves too slow. Yes. But would it really have been better if things remained like they were before DADT until now?
Or do you really think DADT prevented homosexuals from being fully accepted in the military sooner? I'm surprised it's happening now. Happy, but pleasantly surprised.
gavroche42 is correct. It was always meant to be a step on removing the prohibition of homosexuals in the military. Without DADT we would not have moved forward at all.
I am very happy that DADT is off the books. But has the UCMJ been updated so that homosexuality is not a crime within it? If not, then the protection that DADT gave to mility gays (their commanders can not ask, and they not have to tell if asked) is now gone and gays can be dishonorably discharged by the military again simply for being gay. That is the one fear I have with the repeal of DADT: that the UCMJ was not also updated.
As a serving soldier, I'll tell you what they told us in our DADT repeal brief. It is now completely legal under UCMJ to be a homosexual, and to be so openly. Sodomy is now legal under UCMJ, however oral sex is still verboten. Yes, there is an actual AR detailing what sex acts are legal, consensual or not. Under the old rules, consensual sodomy could get you up to 3 years (I think) in jail, and a dishonorable discharge. Married same-sex couples are not officially recognized as such, but they do get a few additional rights (visitation of sick spouse, and a few others, but they do not get things like BAH). Hope that helps.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-20 01:28 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-20 02:29 pm (UTC)Progress moves too slow. Yes. But would it really have been better if things remained like they were before DADT until now?
Or do you really think DADT prevented homosexuals from being fully accepted in the military sooner? I'm surprised it's happening now. Happy, but pleasantly surprised.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-20 08:42 pm (UTC)Now we're even better off, and I'm torn between shouting "hurray!" and whispering "whew!"
(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-20 04:38 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-20 09:51 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-21 01:03 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-20 11:22 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-09-23 01:42 am (UTC)YIS,
WRI