Segregation of Gays in the U.S. Military Isn’t the Answer Either

Filed Under GLBT Equality, Military, Politics, Workplace Equality | November 11th, 2009 

Recently, the Army Times interviewed Secretary of the Army John McHugh covering a wide range of topics including how repealing the law banning open service of homosexuals might be handled by the Pentagon.

Although McHugh stated there is no reason to think major turmoil would ensue if the ban on gays in the military were lifted, the idea he floated on just how gays might be able to serve in the military would indeed continue to cause turmoil.

“It’s possible, for example, that homosexuals could be allowed into some occupations or units but barred from others, McHugh said, stressing that he was not aware of any such plans but only discussing how the issue might play out.”

The idea that the Army secretary or the Pentagon could seriously entertain the possibility of segregation of gays in the military clearly demonstrates that they haven’t thought through all of the implications of such a policy and that their thinking is still entrenched in days gone by of racial segregation in the military. Moreover, this idea also shows that the Pentagon is still a long way off from integrating females into combat arms units and trades.

What gay male serving as an infantryman or artilleryman is going to voluntarily disclose their sexuality or risk being ‘outed’ if it means that they’ll be transferred to an administrative posting? The answer is none; not unless they’ve grown weary of the trade they love. As for what type of a posting the Pentagon would prescribe for lesbians I can’t even imagine. Gays and lesbians will still be opting for the closet if such a discriminatory policy were put in place of the current one.

Segregation and discrimination in the military has never been the correct plan of action for any military. In addition to being morally wrong, it is a shortsighted and unscientific policy that puts strains on the administration and logistics of a strong fighting force. In a time when the Pentagon is straining to conduct its current operations and, (yet again) foresees itself in an era of persistent conflict, segregating gays would be yet another grossly wasted use of its assets that wouldn’t solve ‘the problem’ at all.

It’s time for the Pentagon to heed the example of America’s allies and start integrating both gays and women fully into its services. As always, the military will adapt and become stronger for it.