Pentagon eyes more "humane" enforcement of discrimination against gays & lesbians

[Bluebear]

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to address ways to allow more "humane enforcement and application" of a policy that has seen thousands of homosexuals forced out of the military, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

"I think he is prepared to offer a way ahead on that subject this week. So stay tuned," said Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell.

"Hopefully you'll be seeing him later this week and (he) can address the changes that he is going to be making."

The long-expected announcement follows a 45-day review ordered by Gates, which was completed earlier this month.

One of the ways the Pentagon might relax enforcement of the law could be to halt disciplinary proceedings against gay members of the military who are "outed" by others.

But the Pentagon has been tight-lipped about what steps Gates might announce.

President Barack Obama has called for a repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," which allows homosexuals to serve in secret but discharges them if their sexual orientation becomes known.

Gates has supported Obama's push but called for a separate review, due to be completed by December 1, on how to implement the new policy down the road.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62M5OC20100324

[MindandSoul]

1. Once again. . .baby steps. . .but in the right direction!

[msongs]

3. yes maybe in 5000 years dadt will be repealed. thanks a lot nt

[Bluebear]

7. Gee you want everythign at once.

:silly:

[Bluebear]

6. Sorry - - - GLBT are not babies.

[Starry Messenger]

2. What would be the "humane" version of DADT?

Repeal it already. x(

[riderinthestorm]

4. + 10000000 nt

[leftstreet]

5. No kidding

And why are they allowing people to 'out' others?

:-(

[Starry Messenger]

8. I have a feeling the DT part of the law

is pretty fragile. That's what happens with compromise laws. Too many loopholes. :(

[starroute]

9. So -- you ask someone else to out you and then it's all cool?

It sounds like this is saying that if you out yourself, they discharge you -- but if somebody else outs you, you can continue to serve. That makes no sense whatsoever.