Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 4, 1992 TAG: 9202040382
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
GAYS IN MILITARY MUST PERJURE SELVES
THERE ARE no known or admitted homosexuals in the military. Their existence and unofficial tolerance, alleged by official documents (letter, Jan. 11), is not the issue. These obscure, non-regulatory studies were not intended as public support for homosexuals or to give them any legal forum.Before any homosexuals could be sworn into the military, they would have to lie openly, publicly and in writing to three separate government agencies besides the military. They would have to deliberately and premeditatedly perjure themselves to at least four recruiting servicemen, two medical doctors and three civilian security interviewers.
As a final safeguard, a commissioned officer states in clear, strong language the extreme necessity of admitting any hidden disqualifications. He also tells the folly of harboring any mental hesitations or private reservations, however slight, to obeying all legal orders and regulations.
If any person lies and joins the military, there is danger to our open society. If homosexuals violate our trust and their civic duty and join, they are unconvicted felons.
The homosexual lifestyle is prejudicial to good order and proper discipline. In addition, these misguided criminals are tragically remiss in their foolish decision not to seek immediate medical, psychological or spiritual help. This help was available to them as civilians. It is also available from the military while they are being discharged.
Homosexuality is not a civil-rights issue. It is a disabling mental illness common to all nations, creeds, religions, social strata, races, age groups, ethnic groups, or any other possible human groupings. There has been no reversal of common cultural, religious, scientific, racial, and other groups' opinions about this sad affliction. JACK H. BURKE JR. WYTHEVILLE