Editorial: Gays in military deserve other rights, too
Sailors march in uniform during the gay pride parade in San Diego. For the first time ever, U.S. service members marched in a gay pride event decked out in uniform, a result of the 2011 repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the U.S. military. (July 21, 2012) Credit: AP
This week marks one year since "don't ask, don't tell," the policy that banned gays, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly in the U.S. armed forces, was repealed. It's been a good year.
According to the Pentagon, there's been no loss of cohesion or increase in anti-gay incidents. Gay soldiers say their lives are better, and many straight soldiers say their units are better, too, having replaced secrets that hampered morale with truths few mind.
Gay soldiers return home from combat to deserved kisses from partners. Members of the military have celebrated same-sex unions in base chapels. And in August, the Army's Tammy Smith was promoted to become our first openly gay general. Tracey Hepner, Smith's wife, pinned on her star.
It's not surprising the repeal went smoothly: It's a change that allows a small group to openly live in a way that bothers fewer and fewer people. Now, we must abolish the legal discrimination that persists.
Because of the Defense of Marriage Act, the relationships of gay soldiers are not recognized in the allocation of housing, medical coverage, travel allowances and other benefits. That's a betrayal, one the Obama administration has called unconstitutional and said it will no longer defend in court.
Last year the United States granted gay members of the military the right to live honestly. This year, let's grant them the rest of their rights, and seal the deal.
