Although sodomy has historically been a criminal offense, and therefore cause for dishonorable discharge, it was not until 1942 that revised Army regulations included a definition of both the homosexual and "normal" person. For the first time lesbian and gay draftees were identified and rejected by the armed forces through psychiatric screening. Ironically, during times of conflict, those prohibitions and exclusions were suspended and homosexuals were allowed to enlist and be drafted.

In 1981 the DoD (Department of Defense) codified its policy against homosexuals in the military (DOD Directive 1332.14, January 28, 1982, Part 1, Section H). According to a 1992 report by the Government Accounting Office (GAO), nearly 17,000 men and women were discharged under the category of homosexuality in the 1980s. During the conflict in the Persian Gulf homosexuals were again allowed to serve. However, once the conflict came to an end, hundreds of previously decorated military personnel were dishonorably discharged under the DoD military code of justice.

In January 1993, then president William J. Clinton, under pressure from homosexual supporters, ordered a review of the DoD policy on homosexuals in the military. With strong and vehement opposition from congress and the military establishment, Clinton and then Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, compromised with a policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue." Congress codified most of the compromise that September.

Since its enactment, homosexual military personnel and their legal supporters confirm that, as policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue," has been a disaster for LGBT military personnel. Dishonorable discharges and military witch-hunts have increased significantly under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue." The Pentagon confirms there have been more than 8,500 men and women discharged from the armed forces since the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy came into force in 1994. Some groups estimate the cost to the military has been more than $200 million to replace those discharged since 1994.

Other reports have shown a substantial increase in the number of investigations of suspected lesbian and gay personnel. And most reports indicate harassment of suspected lesbian and gay personnel have intensified in some locales. More ironically, some DoD investigators have carried out their investigations so single-mindedly that they have managed to prosecute and discharge heterosexual military members as well. Instead of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue," our military is acting upon and fabricating evidence based upon the most flimsy of rumors.

In 1999, Pfc. Barry Winchell was convicted of murdering Pvt. Calvin Glover, a member of his unit, by beating him to death with a baseball bat while he slept. Prosecutors argued that Glover murdered Winchell because he was a homosexual. The verdict in that trial officially confirmed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" was and is a failure.

Since the beginning of 2003, George W. Bush has been very clear in his rhetoric. America will be going to war with Iraq with or without the approval and support of the United Nations armed forces.

In response to the mobilization ordered by President Bush, the Marine Corps took the unusual step of stopping all Marines from leaving the service for the coming twelve months beginning in January 2003. The so-called "stop-loss" order applies to the entire Marine Corps - 173,000 men and women on active duty and 100,000 in the reserves. However, the order also stipulates that those Marines currently facing discharge because of sexual orientation will continue to be separated from service. No other branches of the military have issued a "stop-loss" order.

In the last few weeks it has been reported that a number of military specialists - personnel who have special training that makes them especially valuable in the event of a conflict in the middle east - have been discharged for being homosexuals.

Don't Ask. Don't Tell. Don't Pursue.

Until next time...