From a piece on how implementation of DADT repeal will actually work, based on the recommendations of the Pentagon report:
The plans call for strict and immediate action when the new rules are violated. But there is also an emphasis on educating troops who are having problems. For example, in a series of vignettes listed in the report, the first course of action is often counseling.
What if a recruiter refuses to process recruits who say they are gay? What about a sailor who requests a new sleeping area to get away from a gay roommate? Can a service member file a complaint against a chaplain who preaches against homosexuality? And can a gay or lesbian service member get leave to travel home when their partner is ill?
In each case the recommended process is careful and deliberate. The recruiter and the sailor should be counseled about the new rules — but in both cases commanders have the authority to approve a move if they believe it’s necessary in order to maintain unit stability. And, yes, chaplains can still preach what they believe.
You see, wingnuts? Nobody wants to take away your pwecious chaplains’ rights to be awful, if that’s what they feel called to do. That being said, I do know a bit about the purpose of chaplains in the military, and the adult ones are fairly well qualified to deal with people who share beliefs different from theirs. [An example of a former chaplain who is not an adult would be Gordon Klingenschmitt, who still lies about why he was dishonorably discharged from the military.]
Here’s the part that sucks, though, which should remind everyone that the fight is not yet over:
In some cases, service members may be able to designate a same-sex partner for benefits. In most cases, however, they are treated much like unmarried heterosexual couples. So, same-sex partners will probably not be able to share on-base housing, and commanders don’t have to make allowances for same-sex couples when making duty assignments around the globe.
We’ve made uphill progress under this current administration, but we’re still nowhere near the top of the hill.
