Nathaniel Frank (1)

Dr. Frank provides a compelling look at how the ban on gays in the military hurts the country's security and makes it more difficult for America to fight terrorists. He describes how many people in the military who were for the ban are now against it. The military has fired Arabic translators, counterintelligence specialists, and others who are desperately needed.

Dr. Frank examines and rejects the arguments of the supporters of the gay ban, including the idea that homosexuals serving openly will hurt morale and military readiness. He points out that many gays have served openly in the miitary with no problems. Also, many foreign countries including Canada, Great Britain, and Australia have lifted their gay bans and have had found that homosexuals were easily integrated into their units.

Dr. Frank writes about some of the tragedies that have occured because of homophobia in the military-one man was beaten to death with a baseball bat. Other gays and lesbians endured physical abuse and threats. Gays and lesbians, or those suspected of being gay and lesbian, can be investigated and discharged.… (more)