US takes first step towards open gays in military
The US Defence Department is about to take the first tentative practical step towards lifting the ban on openly glbt people serving in the American military.
President Barack Obama has been criticised for not moving on the issue after he campaigned to gay communities on lifting the so-called 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on homosexuality. However, Defence Secretary Robert Gates has today announced a year-long review into practical and emotional issues arising from lifting the ban. The review is also expected to suggest the best way to carry out ditching the current policy.
In New Zealand the Defence Forces did not seek exemption from the 1993 Human Rights Act which made it illegal to discriminate against minorities such as glbt people in employment. Only the major and conservative churches and the homophobic then-Police Commissioner John Jamieson, and backed up by gay-baiting then-Minister of Police John Banks, sought exemptions. The police hierarchy were not supported by the police officers' union and were ultimately denied any exemption.
