British military and gays

[varun]

Shows that the fears of heterosexual officers were unfounded

-----------------------------------------------------------------

http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid49813.asp

British Military Officers Allegedly Resigned After Gay Ban Lifted in 2000

Several lower-ranking officers in the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy resigned out of protest after the country lifted its ban on gays in the military, according to a story in The Times of London.

A restricted document, obtained by The Times under the Freedom of Information Act, also claims that soldiers were so hesitant to undress or expose themselves in the presence of their gay comrades that they suggested gay-only restrooms and showers. Royal Air Force families reportedly worried about same-sex partners moving into family lodgings and affecting their children.

The country's Ministry of Defence has concluded, however, that the change in policy has had no significant effect on the military’s effectiveness, and there has been only one complaint of homosexual harassment since the ban was lifted.

The United Kingdom ended the ban on gays in the military in January 2000, after the European Court of Human Rights criticized the policy for interfering with private life. (The Advocate)

[swimboy]

1. The Right is not half so afraid of homosexuals

as they are that the general population will cease to be afraid of homosexuals.