US military accepts ‘openly gay recruits’ for first time
However, the Pentagon warned that the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule could be reinstated, depending on the outcome of pending court decisions.
“Recruiters have been given guidance, and they will process applications for applicants who admit they are openly gay or lesbian,” spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said, adding that recruiters have been instructed to remind applicants that the court’s decision could be reversed.
Gay rights groups gave a cautious welcome to the military’s move and the judge’s decision.
“During this interim period of uncertainty, service members must not come out and recruits should use caution if choosing to sign up,” said Servicemembers Legal Defence Network executive director Aubrey Sarvis, a US Army veteran.
He too warned, however, that a higher court could overturn the judge’s ruling.
“The bottom line: if you come out now, it can be used against you in the future by the Pentagon,” Sarvis added in a statement.
Among the first to enlist was former Army Lieutenant Dan Choi, an Iraq war veteran who came out on a cable television programme in March 2009.
The 29-year old graduate of the prestigious West Point military academy, who was discharged earlier this year for being gay, made a public event of his re-enlistment.
First, Choi tried to enlist at a US Marines recruiting station in midtown Manhattan, but after being told he was too old, filled out papers to re-enlist.
“We’re still in a war, and soldiers are needed,” Choi said. “I have a new-found faith in our government that at least one branch is on the side of the Constitution, is on the side of the people.”
Last week, US District Judge Virginia Phillips of California ordered the government to immediately suspend the rule which requires gay troops to keep quiet about their sexuality or face expulsion.
Late on Tuesday, she denied the Justice Department’s request for a stay to suspend the legal order until an expected appeal can be heard.
“Judge Phillips is right to stand with service members by rejecting President (Barack) Obama’s request to continue this discriminatory policy,” said R Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, which filed the lawsuit at the heart of the case. “With recruiters accepting gay and lesbian applicants and a week having passed without incident, it is clear that our military is well-equipped to adapt to open service.”
Gay rights groups urged Washington not to further appeal the ruling.
Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese called the rule, a 1993 compromise aimed at resolving a long-thorny issue, “an unconscionable law that forces brave lesbian and gay Americans to serve in silence”.
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