Don't Ask, Don't Tell

There was a temporary victory for equality. I awoke to the news that a court had ruled against the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Growing up around military, this was significant to me in a way that most would not understand. I support gay rights and I do believe that Don't Ask, Don't Tell promotes inequality and is a direct violation of privacy; privacy meaning that employers should not be concerned with the sexual practices of an individual in the same manner that it is illegal to ask whether a woman is pregnant; however, I believe that Don't Ask, Don't Tell provides a loophole for those heterosexuals in the military who would like to be discharged. 

Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a homophobic policy that violates privacy and promotes the stigmatization of homosexuals. However, it is also a loophole for those serving who would like to receive a discharge from the military. I want to have a volunteer military that is proud to serve. It is disheartening that homosexuals are not allowed to have the same rights as heterosexuals serving in the military. It is also wrong for heterosexuals to use homosexuality as a means of terminating their service. I do believe that Don't Ask, Don't Tell should remain the policy of the U.S. Military but not to keep homosexuals out--that aspect of the policy is blatant discrimination and needs to be erased, but to keep those who are not serving with loyalty and pride a shameful way of getting out.