Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
stated that he supports the Pentagon's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
ban on gays serving in the military because homosexual acts "are
immoral," and compares it to an adulterous affair with the spouse of
another service member. Today, both the first U.S. military personnel
wounded in the Iraq war – retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, who is
also gay – and Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese commented
on his statement.
Said Eric Alva, spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign:
"Judging gay men and women in the military for factors unrelated to
their fitness to serve undermines our military's effectiveness. Certain
leader's bigotry should not be a rational basis for discrimination. This
kind of prejudice is going to continue to have a direct impact on our
national security as we allow qualified gay men and women to lose their
jobs for no good reason. This policy – and General Pace's bigotry – is
outdated, unnecessary, and counter to the same American values our
soldiers are giving their lives for each and every day."
Alva publicly announced, for the first time, that he is gay on February
28, 2007, during a Capitol Hill press conference where Rep. Marty
Meehan, D-Mass., reintroduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act,
legislation to repeal the ban against openly gay and lesbian Americans
serving in the military.
Said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign:
"What is immoral is to weaken our national security because of personal
prejudices. General Pace's comments were irresponsible, offensive and a
slap in the face to the gay men and women who are currently serving
their country with honor and bravery."
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