Ret. US General makes astonishing “nonsense” argument: Dutch gay soldiers led to death of thousands
Asked for comment, Dutch military officials expressed astonishment. The spokesman for the Netherlands Ministry of Defense, Roger van de Wetering, told VOA Sheehan’s assertions are “total nonsense” and that he “cannot believe that a man of that rank is stating such a thing.” He added that he had never heard Sheehan’s allegation before from any source in the Netherlands or anywhere else.
Voice of America reporting on testimony delivered by Ret. US General John Seehan in DC today. As part of a hearing about the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, Sheehan specifically stated that inclusion of openly gay soldiers had affected the military readiness of European countries. He stated that inclusion, and an effort to “socialize” those militaries, led to Serbian forces overwhelming peace keepers from the Netherlands in 1995; and because of that, thousands of Muslin people were killed. Responding to questions fom Sen. Carl Levin, Sheehan further claimed that he spoke with Dutch leaders then about the “massacre” and that those leaders had said gay soldier inclusion was “part of the problem.” VOA reports here that they contacted Dutch officials today, and the officials they spoke with are disputing Sheehan’s bizarre claims. Look for more on this hearing at Metro Weekly. (VOA)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
