[Opinion] Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, after much consideration, unveiled new guidelines for homosexuals in the military in July 1993, about six months after his inauguration. Under America’s so-called “Don’t Ask, don’t Tell” policy, gay soldiers can serve in the military as long as they do not come out of the closet.

But they face compulsory discharge if they do.

Public opinion forced Clinton to change his original plan to completely abolish anti-gay regulations on U.S. military bases. At that time, the U.S. Congress received an unprecedented 400,000 calls from voters in opposition to homosexuality in the military.

Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung said before the National Assembly recently that the ministry will review scrapping or amending laws on military personnel management and military criminal code no. 92 that stipulate punishment for or the mandatory discharge of homosexuals in the military. He said that the ministry acknowledged the need to live up to the National Action Plan (NAP) of the National Human Rights Commission that defends the human rights of sexual minorities, given the heightened level of social awareness on the matter.

However, many in and out of military voice their concerns over the negative impact of allowing or condoning homosexuality on military discipline and morals. They question that explicit display of affection and sexual relationship amongst gay soldiers would undermine military unity and combat capabilities. Indeed, this might lead to crimes of blind passion or sexual harassment of junior staff by high-ranking gay officers. It is all the more so these days as firearm accidents often take place due to the slackened discipline.

The Defense Ministry, however, is churning out a number of half-baked human rights policies without due consideration for military particularities. Among them is a bill to grant soldiers the right to ask for their reassignment. How many soldiers will go to front line bases if they are given choices for their own unit? Who would take responsibility for our security if even the military panders to the public? I wonder if Yoon knows the public argument that military discipline is too loose nowadays.

Han Ki-heung, Editorial Writer, eligius@donga.com