Should gays be able to serve in the military? (Don’t Ask Don’t Tell – DADT)

MAAF applauds the ongoing Presidential, Congressional, and DoD efforts to implement open service for all and we look forward to the first Military Coming Out Day. The Military’s Coming Out Day is something we should all look forward to, but as implementation nears, there should be an understanding of the many legal challenges still available. MAAF recommends caution for active duty personnel in coming out. That cannot be undone, and discrimination will be hard to prove. Everyone, civilian, active duty, and veterans, should loudly and publicly applaud the repeal of DADT. Marching in parades in uniform (as authorized by your local command) and showing support in the workplace are helpful and do not necessarily constitute “coming out.” As implementation begins officially, only active duty personnel who understand the risks and have a comfort level with their position should come out immediately. Coming out cannot be undone if the military does not follow thru or if sectarian political forces start to block enforcement.

Enter comments at the official DoD comment page: http://www.defense.gov/dadt Military login (CAC) required.

We join many other excellent organizations including the the Center For Inquiry, KnightsOut.org, and VoteVets.org who have also supported open service for all.

[MAAF and partner FAQ leading up to the repeal of DADT] Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) is an antiquated policy that must be replaced by open service for all service members regardless of sexual orientation. DADT has hurt the military by forcing honorable service members to either hide their personal life or be removed from service. After decades of hand-wringing about the impact open service may have on combat power, senior military leaders and respected veterans confirm that the military is ready to choose integrity over discrimination. Our military deserves to support integrity for all and a team that is built upon American values and combat power without sectarian division. We call upon military and civilian leaders to repeal DADT and support open service for all with regulation, military legislation, and vocal support at the line level.