Should gays & lesbians be allowed to serve in the U.S. military - Research Paper Example

Homosexuals need to be allowed the same opportunities as other people. Their sexual orientation does not make them lesser beings, and it should not be used as an excuse to bar them from doing things that they want to do (Carter 233). I support the idea of having gays and lesbians in the US military, regardless of whether they practice homosexuality or not. I do not see how why this group of well-meaning citizens should be judged for their sexual orientation and yet they are willing to risk their lives for the sake of this great country.

For someone to sacrifice his life for the sake of his country and country folk, it requires a remarkable sense of bravery (Bourg 429). Instead of being viewed as unwanted people, gay men and lesbians wanting to join the military should be treated like the heroes they are. The introduction of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy has greatly improved matters for the gay and lesbian community in America (Carter 233). Homosexuals are no longer required to disclose their sexuality on the enlistment forms.

The policy also disallowed any military official investigating the sexual orientation of military officers. This gave homosexuals more freedom and confidence in applying for military positions. No one should be harassed just because they have a different sexual orientation from others. . If one is to be discriminated against because of something that he or she cannot change, then that is very unfortunate because it would be tantamount to denying them their fundamental rights as citizens of America (Bourg 430).

Being different should not be viewed as a weakness or as a moral wrong, rather society should embrace everyone since we all have something positive to share with others. Tolerating and accepting the gay and lesbian community may be a tall order for some people, but this should not be the case. Many gay men and lesbian women have served this country in different aspects with honor (Carter 234). When people say that homosexuals should not serve in the military, what they are portraying is fear about things that might never happen in the first place.

This fear is unwarranted because it is obvious that homosexuals live very peacefully with other people, it would not be different in the military. The standard that needs to be upheld in the military is not gender orientation; rather a lot of emphasis should be on attitude and behavior (Johnson 133). If the gays and lesbians have the right kind of attitude and behavior for military service, then there should be no problem enlisting them. There is no evidence showing that one’s sexuality may determine one’s efficiency at work.

The only thing that comes in the way of efficiency is one’s determination or the lack of it. If a homosexual is therefore determined to keep the United States and the citizens safe, I think that he or she should be given the chance. If gays and lesbians are barred from military service, then what is to be said of their fundamental rights and liberties as Americans? The American constitution is categorical in the provision of equality in