Army’s McHugh corrects his earlier enthusiasm for open discussions with gay soldiers
”I am unable to identify these soldiers and I am not in a position to formally pursue the matter…. I might better have counseled them that statements about their sexual orientation could not be treated as confidential and could result in their separation (from the Army) under the law.”
John McHugh, described by Reuters as the US Army‘s top civilian, making a follow-up comment about his ability to speak with gay and lesbian members of the armed forces. He had stated earlier that he wished to speak openly with gay soldiers, and that basically he would ignore the requirements of the law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” However, he appears to be backtracking here, pointing out that there remains no protections for servicemembers who discuss their sexual-orientation, and that doing so for any reason is technically grounds for discharge. The law itself appears to be creating a conundrum for officials who seek to repeal DADT: Seeking the viewpoints of openly gay soldiers might result in them no longer being soldiers. (Reuters)
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