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The high court says that it will not hear an appeal from former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. 

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WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Monday turned down a challenge to the Pentagon policy forbidding gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, granting a request by the Obama administration. 

The court said it will not hear an appeal from former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. 

The federal appeals court in Boston earlier threw out a lawsuit filed by Pietrangelo and 11 other veterans. He was the only member of that group who asked the high court to rule that the Clinton-era policy is unconstitutional. 

In court papers, the administration said the appeals court ruled correctly in this case when it found that "don't ask, don't tell" is "rationally related to the government's legitimate interest in military discipline and cohesion." 

During last year's campaign, President Barack Obama indicated he supported the eventual repeal of the policy, but he has made no specific move to do so since taking office in January. 

Meanwhile, the White House has said it won't stop gays and lesbians from being dismissed from the military. 

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ORIGINAL: Arpig

That whole policy is hypocritical. I thought discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was illegal in the US. The whole issue is based on the erroneous idea that gays are somehow unable to control their sexual urges. I defy one person to show me a real valid reason why gays should npot be allowed into the military.

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ORIGINAL: OrionTheWolf

The military has exceptions to some of those laws. One's that may impact combat effectiveness, or morale are the primary one's that exceptions are made to. Basically once you join the military, most of your rights are turned into privileges. Since then is known to you before joining, it is not cohersive or deceptive.

It is not a matter of whether they are allowed in or not, but that they cannot openly show their sexuality. If they choose to serve, they must keep it a secret, or at least not blatantly put it out there.

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ORIGINAL: Arpig

That whole policy is hypocritical. I thought discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was illegal in the US. The whole issue is based on the erroneous idea that gays are somehow unable to control their sexual urges. I defy one person to show me a real valid reason why gays should npot be allowed into the military.

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ORIGINAL: kdsub
OK...I know I will be considered homophobic by some for my comments... now that would be ironic…but some things are just true…whether I or you like it or not.

It is not gays…or their mores…or the brass… it is soldiers… They do not want or trust gays to be good soldiers that can trust their lives with.

Do I agree…no
Do all soldiers agree…no
Is it the way it is in the arm forces in general…yes

The brass realizes that until the way gays are though of in the general population changes they will be a liability rather than an asset. War is not the place to change social discrimination.

Butch

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ORIGINAL: aphotic

This is why I hate the military, amongst numerous other reasons. You don't have to be homosexual to see the bigotry on parade here.

When I was in basic training (for all of 3 weeks, ha), they make you take 2 oaths before entering that say you are not gay. Who cares? Oathing against being gay is in your pledge to be an American soldier right next to committing treason. What is that? You aren't even allowed to look at the girls at basic training anyway, and it's weeks spent entombed in a complete sausage fest.

I think this primarily applies to officers though, as most people who are under the enlisted ranks are rednecks anyway, and there aren't too many gay rednecks.

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ORIGINAL: Asherdelampyr

Ok, a question then
If you had to hide from everyone that you enjoy any form of sex or dating or anything like it... How bad would your life suck?

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Is it a good idea to make people choose between being openly able to live a life that isnt harming anyone, and serving thier country? Where does something like that lead?

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ORIGINAL: MrRodgers

Quite the contrary...almost ALL men and women are quite confident in fighting wars and serving in the military with gays...as long as they don't know it.

This reveals the general cowardice and fickle nature of the even the SPOUS.

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This is essentially the same as saying (ruling) that a gay man (or woman) has no constitutional right to serve in the military if ANYBODY discovers they are gay.

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I wonder how long it will take before this hits private employment ? Probably not very long. What's to stop me from firing any gay once he or she is 'out ?' How about don't ask don't tell at the work place ? After this, it shouldn't be discrimination. Knowing an employee is gay could ruin my workforce if can do the same in the military.

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ORIGINAL: Asherdelampyr

So then how many bright, hardworking good people is the military losing?
I understand the hesitancy, and saw with my own eyes how homophobic a group of guys get when they are living in the same barracks and showering in the same large room.... I just wish there was a third option

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ORIGINAL: Asherdelampyr

So then how many bright, hardworking good people is the military losing?
I understand the hesitancy, and saw with my own eyes how homophobic a group of guys get when they are living in the same barracks and showering in the same large room.... I just wish there was a third option

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ORIGINAL: OrionTheWolf

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ORIGINAL: MrRodgers

Quite the contrary...almost ALL men and women are quite confident in fighting wars and serving in the military with gays...as long as they don't know it.

This reveals the general cowardice and fickle nature of the even the SPOUS.

General cowardice? Based upon this one item you wish to call some of our military personel cowards?

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This is essentially the same as saying (ruling) that a gay man (or woman) has no constitutional right to serve in the military if ANYBODY discovers they are gay.

I do not believe anyone has a constitutional right to serve in the military. If I am mistaken, maybe someone could point that right out to me.

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I wonder how long it will take before this hits private employment ? Probably not very long. What's to stop me from firing any gay once he or she is 'out ?' How about don't ask don't tell at the work place ? After this, it shouldn't be discrimination. Knowing an employee is gay could ruin my workforce if can do the same in the military.

Private employment is different than military service. Give it some more time and I am sure the policy will improve, because the current don't ask, don't tell, is an improvement over the previous policy. This has to do with military cohesiveness, and the psychological impact it may have on others in the unit, or in units they do operations with. Yes it is because many may be homophobic or have a problem with homosexuals, but that is what the military has to deal with currently. Times are changing and in the future it will be easier to enforce, and it will have less of an impact.

It is not so much that I agree with it, but I can see why they are doing it, at least at this time.

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ORIGINAL: kdsub

OK...I know I will be considered homophobic by some for my comments... now that would be ironic…but some things are just true…whether I or you like it or not.

It is not gays…or their mores…or the brass… it is soldiers… They do not want or trust gays to be good soldiers that can trust their lives with.

Do I agree…no
Do all soldiers agree…no
Is it the way it is in the arm forces in general…yes

The brass realizes that until the way gays are though of in the general population changes they will be a liability rather than an asset. War is not the place to change social discrimination.

Butch

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ORIGINAL: Vendaval

I am actually surprised that the argument for separate gay only units has not been proposed.
Not that would be progress but I can imagine some politician or another thinking that would be a great "compromise".