Gates Seeks to Make 'Don't Ask' More Humane

Military may not boot gays outed by jilted lovers, blackmailers

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 1, 2009 12:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Obama administration is looking for ways to get around the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law that forbids gays from serving openly in the military, CNN reports. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he is investigating ways to make the policy “more humane,” such as not dismissing service members who are outed as an act of blackmail or by a jilted lover.

Gates echoed the administration’s sentiment that the law would eventually be changed, but noted that, “it’s a very prescriptive law. It doesn’t leave much to the imagination.” Only Congress can repeal it, and the Pentagon does not yet support a full repeal. Nonetheless, a spokesman says the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “supports the idea of a less draconian way of enforcing the policy."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Defense Secretary Robert Gates takes part in a news conference at the Pentagon, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo)

President Barack Obama greets guests as he and first lady Michelle Obama host a reception for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Month in the White House on Monday. (AP Photo)

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Do we need to be driven to take action on somebody, if we get that information from somebody who may have vengeance in mind or blackmail or somebody who has been jilted?
- Robert Gates

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

Corona_Kinq

Jul 1, 2009 10:28 AM CDT

There's a dude at work that we all don't like so we're gonna vote him out like they do on Survivor....yeah that won't fly sorry.

Fondue

Jul 1, 2009 8:23 AM CDT

How about this godawgs, soldiers are just that - soldiers. They do as they are told. They didn't have a choice in the first place. Not to mention, are paid by my tax dollars.

justme

Jul 1, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Agreed as long as the same rules apply on sexual harassment etc. The military is a place that must preserve order and discipline above all things. When I was in, the rules about fraternization were very clear and the penalties were severe. It needs to stay that way. No special treatment for gays, bi's or trans.

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gay rights • Robert Gates • Don't Ask, Don't Tell • US military • Adm. Mike Mullen • defense secretary • homosexual rights • homosexual • Obama administration • gay

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Gates Seeks to Make 'Don't Ask' More Humane