Pentagon says homosexuality NOT a mental disorder

[R!ck]

Pentagon says homosexuality not a mental disorder By Will Dunham

Wed Jun 28, 3:30 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon no longer deems homosexuality a mental disorder, officials said on Wednesday, although the reversal has no impact on U.S. policy prohibiting openly gay people from serving in the military.

After a 1996 Pentagon document placing homosexuality among a list of "certain mental disorders" came to light this month, the American Psychiatric Association and a handful of lawmakers asked the Defense Department to change its view.

The Pentagon said in a statement: "Homosexuality should not have been characterized as a mental disorder in an appendix of a procedural instruction. A clarification will be issued over the next few days."

"Notwithstanding its inclusion, we find no practical impact since that appendix simply listed factors that do not constitute a physical disability, and homosexuality of course does not," the Pentagon added.

The 1996 Pentagon document, which had been recertified as "current" three years ago, had listed homosexuality as a mental disorder alongside mental retardation, impulse control disorders and personality disorders.

The American Psychiatric Association, responsible for a definitive listing of mental health classifications, declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973.

In fiscal 2005, which ended last September 30, 726 military personnel were discharged under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, the Pentagon said.

Adopted by Congress in 1993, the policy allows homosexuals to serve in the armed forces only if they do not reveal their sexual orientation and abstain from gay sex.

It was a compromise worked out with Congress under President Bill Clinton, who had tried to lift the military's long-standing prohibition on homosexuals.

Those opposed to gays in the military have argued the presence of homosexuals could undermine good discipline and order in the ranks.

RATE OF DISCHARGES SLOWED

Changing the classification "will be consistent with the scientific consensus on homosexuality and mental health," said Nathaniel Frank, a researcher at the Center for the Study of Sexual Minorities in the Military at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

The center recently found and released the 1996 document.

"I'm glad the language has been changed," said Steve Ralls, spokesman for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which opposes limits on gays in the military.

Ralls said he believed it was a simple oversight by the Pentagon, not malice, that the document continued to list homosexuality as a mental disorder.

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network said the rate of troops discharged under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy had fallen by about 40 percent since the beginning of U.S. military operations following the September 11 attacks on the United States.

"There is no good reason for keeping the ban in place and there's every good reason for repealing it," Ralls said. "It's discriminatory and robbing the military of talented men and women who want to serve. It's unnecessary. We've seen bans lifted among our closest allies. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Americans are serving alongside openly gay British troops."

Legislation in the House of Representatives to lift the restrictions on homosexuals in the military appears to have little chance of passage in the Republican-controlled Congress. There is no similar Senate bill.

[Kwing42]

So I guess those disorder checks that someone was asking about won't be sent lol

[Southofnowhere]

I really don't find this funny. When i'm 18 i wouldn't be allowed to join the Miltary because i'm bi. The sad part of the whole thing the rule has been made by a bunch of suits whi have never even served. My brother has a friend over there and he says and who wants to put their life on the line for freedom should be allowed to.

[JER Soaps Fan]

I don't see how that's true. People can't just look at someone and tell they're bi. Isn't there a "don't ask, don't tell" policy enacted? That means you're fine. So go on, enlist! Enlist!

[Southofnowhere]

Since Bush tookover there's really not a don't ask policy. They're digging into people's life's and spying on people. Theor even tapping the phones of gay groups and syping on them. It's open season on anybody they even think is gay. My Brother friend says they booted on the best guy;s on his team and he wasn't even gay. He just went out to lunch with his sister and her gay friend and her friend gay him a hug and someone reported him. He tried to kill himself a few months later.

[Bree]

That's really disheartening. I will never understand the hatred certain groups of people express towards homosexuals and friends of homosexuals. There are a lot worse out there.

[Kwing42]

I was going to ignore that comment, but because someone was sucked into it, do you really believe that is true. Put your hatred aside for a minute and think about it.

The Government is wire tapping phones of people "believed" to be gay and in the military. Good lord. First of all, Congress would not let this happen. Secondally, Cheney would not let that happen...and do you think his daughter would stay quiet abotu it? They are both on opposite sides of the President on that issue.

It is sad that people have to make up these kinds of stories, that have no truth or backing.

The whole don't ask don't tell policy is a double edged sword. I believe Clinton was right in issuing this as the rule, but its sad that people are not more tolerant. I believe anyone who wants to join the service, should be able too.

But I think that the policy is good, because of the way people think and what some would or could possibly do if they knew someone was gay. In tight quarters, showers...it makes sense...even if I just wish people could get over it and just live their lives! Chances are....you are not the one being looked at anyway :-)

[Southofnowhere]

They have wire tapped croups you defend people woul have been kicked out and groups that portest don't ask don't tell. The Pentagon and HLS have admitted to doing. It was in the news just a week ago.

[Kwing42]

Provide the article from a proven news source please.

[Ms. Tee 7]

I'm glad the Pentagon no longer thinks of homosexuality as a mental disorder. That was just rediculous.

As for don't ask, don't tell.... I think it's a good policy. My husband has been in the military for 13 years, and I was in the military myself for 4 years. Never have I heard of any wire tapping of gay soldiers or anything of the sort. Honestly, don't ask, don't tell protects the privacy of the gay soldier and does not allow for anything of the sort.

First of all... it would be very hard to prove a soldier is gay... a hug in a publc place is not nearly enough. Rumor or speculation will not get a soldier kicked out of the military, either. A soldier would have to go to his or her command and tell them that they are gay. Other than that... someone would have to have documented proof that a soldier has been involved in homosexual activity. And they need to be prepared to answer how they came upon this proof and why. It's against Army policy to snoop into one's personal life because you suspect they are gay. Just as it is against Army policy for a leader to ask if one of his/her soldier's are gay.

Secondly... there is a war going on. The Army is stop lossing soldiers that have served their time and want to get out (stop loss means that if you are due to separate from the service at this time, you can be made to stay in) they are not on a crusade to weed out gays.

[Southofnowhere]

www.sldn.org

[Kwing42]

To me, that looks like nothing more than a propaganda website, such as a website for the DNC, RNC or someones cause.

No fact, no story.

[Southofnowhere]

They have news articles and the pentagon has admitted to spying. There only cause is helping men and women who are fighting and dying for their country. They tell soldiers how not to get caught and how to what to do if they do. All they want to do is fight for their country. I also should state that my whole family is Republican. My Mom&Dad are hude supporters of men and women in uniform. My mom sends out at least 10 care pack's a week to her "boys" as she called them. We have Solider's over for Sunday dinner all the time. In the past Soldiers have spent the night if needed. My Dad has given Wifes of Solider's who are overseas jobs and even loaned them money (which he never asked to repayed) I have nothing but repect for uour fighting men and women and for the men and women who are bring allowed to fight. I think anybody who's willing to fight should be allowed. 2 LGBT solilders a day are bing kicked out everyday! In a time fo war that's just INSANE!