From Human Rights Campaign
WASHINGTON Today, the Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) responded to the nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense in light of the challenges that remain for full LGBT equality in the U.S. military.
"We look forward to working closely with Ashton Carter on the important challenges to equality that remain for LGBT service members," said David Stacy, HRC's Government Affairs Director. "While there has been a tremendous amount of progress made in the Armed Forces over the past several years starting with the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', transgender service members are still forced to serve in silence because of outdated regulations. There is no valid reason for this to continue. Once confirmed, Ashton Carter should address this expeditiously."
The repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ( DADT ) policy allowed lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals to serve in the military openly and honestly. However, while the repeal of DADT was an incredibly important step forward, many issues remain for these service members, veterans, their families, and those still prohibited from serving.
Two of the remaining challenges that can be addressed specifically by the Department of Defense include:
Transgender Service: Despite the repeal of DADT, transgender individuals are still prohibited from openly serving in the military due to outdated DoD regulations that are out of step with current medical practice. In May of this year, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said he was "open" to reviewing the military's ban on transgender people. An estimated 15,500 transgender individuals are currently serving in silence.
Non-Discrimination Protections: LGB service members who face discrimination or harassment have few options for addressing their problem. Most harassment and discrimination complaints can be pursued outside of the chain of command through the Military Equal Opportunity Program. However, following repeal of DADT, sexual orientation was not included in the DoD's formal non-discrimination policy, which triggers access to the MEO complaint and support processes, leaving LGB service members more vulnerable.
From The American Military Partner Association
WASHINGTON — Today, the American Military Partner Association, the nation's largest organization for the partners, spouses, and families of America's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members and veterans, issued the following statement in response to the nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense.
"We congratulate Ashton Carter on his nomination and look forward to working with him on the challenges that remain for LGBT service members and their families once he is confirmed," said AMPA President Ashley Broadway. "Despite the clear progress made over the last several years, the Defense Department has yet to update significantly outdated policies impacting LGBT service members and their families. We have high expectations for Ashton Carter and hope he will address these challenges head on."
The journey towards full LGBT equality in the Defense Department is far from complete. The Defense Department has not yet updated significantly outdated policies impacting LGBT service members and their families. In addition to the lack of inclusion of sexual orientation in the non-discrimination policy and equal opportunity program, it continues to enforce outdated and obsolete regulations prohibiting open and honest service by transgender people. There are an estimated 15,500 transgender service members currently serving in silence.