An Ever More Apparent Idiocy

The Army’s tawdry pursuit of Reserve Lt. Steve May should put to rest any remaining doubts about the idiocy and unworkability of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

May, an Arizona state lawmaker who as a Reserve officer has an unblemished record and an exceptional rating, has been open about his homosexuality since he first campaigned for elected office in 1996. But, May says, he never spoke of his sexual orientation while serving as an Army reservist.

Legally, he couldn’t under the 1993 “don’t ask, don’t tell” directive, which permits gays and lesbians to serve in the military so long as they do not engage in homosexual acts or disclose their sexual orientation. The policy was a flimsy compromise forged by the Clinton administration to quiet the fierce debate over whether gays should be allowed to serve. But “don’t ask, don’t tell” has, tragically, done little to end the legal witch hunts, the humiliation and harassment of gay service personnel or the dismissal of hundreds each year.

Steve May is just the latest victim. Sunday, a panel of three Army colonels recommended that May be discharged--albeit honorably--despite his stellar record. Why? Because the lawmaker spoke out last year on the floor of the Arizona Statehouse--not as a reservist on base--against a bill that would have barred government benefits for employees’ gay partners. May identified himself as a gay man in the course of his remarks.

Do Army officials truly believe that military regulations constrain legislative debate or personal choices by reservists--men and women who usually serve part-time? May’s discharge recommendation awaits review by Army and Department of Defense officials. It should be reversed. And Congress and the president should eliminate the odious rule that gives rise to it.