One Iowa in the News: Cedar Valley Diversity: Military officers laud end of 'don't ask, don't tell'

from The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.

WATERLOO, Iowa --- "Don't ask, don't tell" is history.

In the minds of many state and local military officials, it's been a nonissue for quite some time.

The government policy established in 1993 prohibited openly gay, lesbian or bisexual persons from serving in the military. It also prohibited the military from asking service members about their sexual orientation and allowed homosexuals to serve --- without fear of harassment or discrimination --- as long as they remained in the closet.

...Iowa military officials applaud the action, saying more diversity in the military is a good thing. Plus, it could be a boon for recruiting.

Col. Greg Hapgood, spokesman for the Iowa Army National Guard, said the military is a microcosm of society, meaning homosexuals have always served. However, keeping quiet about one's sexuality isn't as big of a deal today as it was decade's ago, Hapgood said, and discrimination of any form isn't tolerated.

Today's soldiers are more worried about protecting the country than if a fellow service member is gay or straight, he said.

...That's good news to Troy Price, executive director of One Iowa, the state's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization. It's committed to the full equality for LGBT individuals.

The change in military thinking brings the country one step closer to that goal, Price said.

"We couldn't be happier that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (has gone away). Now people can be themselves as they defend the country," Price said. "I certainly think more will be willing to serve now."

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