Military May Soften Adultery Penalty

The Clinton administration is planning to reduce adultery in the military from a serious crime that can lead to a dishonorable discharge to a minor violation that would result in a bad conduct discharge, according to Pentagon officials. But the proposal pushed by Defense Secretary William S. Cohen faces opposition from some senior military officers. Other critics view it as politically inept at a time when the commander-in-chief--President Clinton--is battling allegations of adultery with a former White House intern.