Gays In The Military

Homosexuality is relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex. This paper will consider the political controversy over the issue of allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the military. It briefly reviews the history of some policies, discusses the issue as it arose during the 1992 presidential campaign, and considers the unfolding of the debate. In addition, the paper reviews and analyzes efforts by the Clinton administration and Congress to seek a resolution. Finally, it considers the effects of current and possible future court challenges and shows the outcome of gays being open in the military; rather it be to a friend or to themselves, through watching a clip from the movie 'Soldier's Girl'.

The history of the military policy on homosexuality follows two tracks: legal restrictions and administrative directives or regulations. Considering the legal question first, U. S. military law prior to World War I did not specifically address homosexuality.

U.S. Army General Colin Powell, Chairman of the Jo...

English: US Army (USA) General (GEN) Colin Powell,...

Genpowell

Although commanders had great discretion in the control and disciplining of their troops, specific laws, regulations, or policies addressing homosexuality did not exist. The Articles of War of 1916, which were made effective March 1, 1917, restricted consideration of sodomy to cases of assault with the "intent to commit" sodomy. Following the end of World War I, Congress enacted the Articles of War of, which first named sodomy as a specific offense. The 1921 Manual for Court's Martial addressed the issue of consent as it pertained to the sodomy laws enacted by Congress "Both parties are liable as principals if each is adult and consents." This language pertained to both homosexuals and heterosexuals.

Two value systems collide head-on in the campaign to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Both camps see themselves as moral defenders in a just war. On...