Repeal of don't ask don't tell policy and relationship counseling services

Don't Ask Don't Tell

The Impact of the Repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell"

The "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (DADT) Policy was the United States official policy on homosexuals serving in the military. This policy was reportedly designed to prohibit military personnel from harassing or discriminating against those considered closeted bisexuals or homosexuals applicants or active service personnel, while at the same time barring any military service personnel from being "openly" gay, lesbian or bisexual, citing a prohibition of any demonstrable "intent to engage in homosexual acts" as their presence "would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability" (Terry 1999, p. 347). The "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy was in effect from December 1993 until its repeal September 2011. In December 2010, a congressional bill to repeal the policy was enacted, indicating that the policy would remain effective until the President; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of Defense certified the repeal. The certification of repeal by President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen was sent to congress July 2011 with the end date of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" set for September 20, 2011 (Stolberg 2010).

The Repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell"

Subsequent to the repeal of DADT, religious organizations have responded in a number of ways. Some have called for the reinstatement of the policy, while others feel the repeal of the policy is best as it allows the military to be more inclusive. For example, The Southern Baptist Convention reportedly is fighting against the repeal indicating that if the policy is not reinstated they may take the action of removing their chaplains from military posts, as the view the unrestricted of gay lesbian and bisexual service personnel as having an adverse effect on the chaplains ability to speak freely with regard to homosexuality being a sin. The Roman Catholic Church reportedly has called for the reinstatement of the policy as well; however, to date they have not indicated a removal of their religious personnel on military installations (Banks 2010).

This has more of a direct impact on counseling and chaplain services directly on military basis that many active duty personnel utilize as their primary sources for both religious and psychological support. With the backlash from two major religious organizations, the availability of onsite counseling and religious freedom of expression have proven more difficult than many would have anticipated. For those military personnel who have the ability to worship off base and seek counseling services off base, there is greater acceptance of their choice of lifestyle and as such, services are readily available to them. The military, however, has reportedly made no concerted effort to provide additional supports for those individuals who are in need of counseling or religious services since the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell (Banks 2010).

Conclusion