DEOMI Review and Recommendations Based on Readily Available Foreign Military Experiences with the Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell: The Effects of Including Gay and lesbian Soldiers in the British Armed Forces
Abstract
Until 1967, homosexual sex in Britain was considered a criminal offense. The 1967, the Sexual Offences Act legalized homosexual activity in private settings, but it still allowed the military to prosecute service members. In 1999, the public was polled, and 70% of Britons reported being in favor of inclusion of gays and lesbians in the military. It is estimated that as many as 150 soldiers departed the military each year due to the sexual orientation policy, but no official statistics were kept by the British services. On January 12, 2000, Britain lifted its gay ban, allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve in the British Armed Forces. The ban existed because individuals felt homosexual behavior would cause offence and ultimately damage moral and unit effectiveness. The ban was lifted as a result of a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. Once the decision was announced, the Services established new policies for nondiscrimination, which included sexual harassment, sexual contact with subordinates, and overt displays of affection between service members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- AD1070140
Entities
People
- Elizabeth Steinhauser
Organizations
- Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute