Gays in the military

The paper ” Gays in the Military ” is a great example of an article on sociology. “ There are, according to a recent study, some 66, 000 gays, lesbians and bisexuals serving in the U. S. armed forces, all of whom are compelled to hide their sexual orientation”. And for 17 years, Congress had finally opened its first hearing concerning gays in the military as a follow-up on President Obama’s appeal to officially withdraw the law that renounces homosexuals entering such service. Historically, ancient Greeks openly allow homosexuality in the military service but during the Napoleonic Wars, British sailors could be executed for such action. But the issue of denying gays and lesbians to enter the armed forces did not end until in 1916, where the U. S. eventually implemented screening procedures for those who have “ homosexual tendencies.” However during Vietnam war, homosexuality or just having the effeminate behavior or appearance of it was seen as a technique to escape the conflicts and divergence of military service – but it’s not always the case either. The issue had been long circulating within the army and the Congress and despite public outrage, President Bill Clinton attempted to retract the ban in 1993. Instead, the Congress passed a law in “ which gays could serve as long as they kept quiet about their orientation” (Webley, 13). And it was said that more than 12, 000 service members have been discharged since 1994 due to their sexual orientation.