In the Debate Over DADT, What About the Rights of Straight People?

In the ongoing bloody brawl over DADT and gays in the military, all of the focus and attention to date has been on the rights and concerns of gays.

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In her historic action against DADT, Judge Virginia Phillips alleged that the policy violated due process rights, freedom of speech and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances guaranteed by the First Amendment. But what about the rights of the overwhelming majority who serve i.e., straight men and women, Judge? Many straight people are extremely uncomfortable with being forced to share housing, showers and other quasi- intimate living arrangements with gays. That discomfort may be rooted in deeply-held religious convictions, or it could be the result of traditional family values passed down over the years from generation to generation. Either way, the feelings and convictions of straight men and women are legitimate and must be taken into account, especially in a society that places so much emphasis on cultural diversity. For example, Paul is strongly opposed to showering and sharing sleeping arrangements with openly gay men. Is Paul without freedom of speech rights? Why is his diversity less of a constitution concern than the impact of DADT on gays? Where is the obsession with tolerance for people like Paul? Furthermore, why should the rights of a minuscule minority be allowed to trump the rights of the overwhelming majority? Defense Secretary Robert Gates, no Bible thumping red neck, understands that Judge Phillip’s reckless and foolish ruling has the potential to do great harm to the American military during time of war. As reported, in part, at the Washington Post (See reference):

“BRUSSELS - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Wednesday that an abrupt end to the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy would have "enormous consequences" for troops Gates declined to answer directly when asked whether the administration should appeal a federal court injunction ordering the military to immediately end the policy. But he said he wants to proceed with his preferred approach: to allow the Defense Department to complete, by Dec. 1, a review of how to integrate openly gay men and lesbians in the armed forces, followed by an act of Congress that would overturn the "don't ask, don't tell" law. "I feel very strongly that this is an action that needs to be taken by the Congress, and that it is an action that requires careful preparation and a lot of training," Gates told reporters aboard a military aircraft as he flew to Brussels for a NATO meeting. Gates said the Pentagon needs until Dec. 1 to resolve questions such as whether heterosexual troops would be required to share housing with gays and whether the military would be required to provide benefits for same-sex partners of service members.”

Whom should we trust? An experienced and knowledgeable professional like Robert Gates, or an obscure leftist judge who lacks even a fundamental understanding of things military? Remember, too, that Judge Phillips was appointed by Bill Clinton who openly and proudly expressed his “hatred” for the military. Perhaps Judge Phillips shares Bill Clinton’s hatred for the brave men and women who put their lives at risk for their country? Perhaps Phillips and Clinton are military-phobic? Reference: