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CNO Issues Statement Following Vote to Repeal DADT
Special from Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, released the following statement following the vote to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell":
"I am pleased the Congress voted to repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" statute (section 654 of title 10, United States Code).
"This Senate action does not immediately change the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.
"If the President signs the provision into law, there are still a series of steps that will take place before Don't Ask, Don't Tell is repealed.
"First, the Department of Defense will prepare the necessary policies and regulations to implement the change. We will also ensure that the force is provided training on the new policies.
"Second, the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the change can be made consistent with military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention.
"Finally, there is a 60-day period following certification before repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell takes effect.
"As we move forward our Navy's superb leaders, both officer and enlisted, will be key to a successful transition to the new policy. Navy leadership will continue to keep all informed.
"The United States Navy will remain the world's most ready, capable and professional Navy where all our shipmates will continue to be treated with dignity and respect."
For more information, visit www.navy.mil.
STORY COMMENTS27 COMMENTS
1/1/2011 4:19:00 AM
Sir, I just want to say thank you.
Sir, I just want to say thank you.
12/29/2010 1:14:00 AM
The president has done what he wanted to do - weaken our military and our nation. I retired from the Navy in 1995. I always said if they need me I would do it again to surve my country. Not now - I am a woman, and I don't want to be asleep and have another woman try to get in bed with me. So I could never turn my back or her, so if we were in a war zone she would go out first I don't want her at my back. I have talked to men that fell the same way about this.
The president has done what he wanted to do - weaken our military and our nation. I retired from the Navy in 1995. I always said if they need me I would do it again to surve my country. Not now - I am a woman, and I don't want to be asleep and have another woman try to get in bed with me. So I could never turn my back or her, so if we were in a war zone she would go out first I don't want her at my back. I have talked to men that fell the same way about this.
12/29/2010 12:50:00 AM
This is now the law of the land, as well as the will of more than 60 percent of the population. Once conditions for its implementation are complete, it becomes part and parcel of military regulations. If you do not wish to adhere to those rules, or to respect the chain of command, feel free to exit. No one will object if it is on moral grounds, but it will be time for you to move on. The military will be a far better place when regulations, and not arbitrary mores, are enforced.
This is now the law of the land, as well as the will of more than 60 percent of the population. Once conditions for its implementation are complete, it becomes part and parcel of military regulations. If you do not wish to adhere to those rules, or to respect the chain of command, feel free to exit. No one will object if it is on moral grounds, but it will be time for you to move on. The military will be a far better place when regulations, and not arbitrary mores, are enforced.
12/27/2010 7:31:00 PM
From the comments I have read, you can tell who is the homosexual and who is not. The homosexual is the one who does not show his or her name. They still hide. We, the majority, will be ordered to accept these few in our ranks. All I see is a mass exadus from the service. It was better before when we had "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We did not know who was homosexual unless they showed themselves. Now the Navy will lose a lot of good people because they will ask for discharge to avoid trouble. God help us!
From the comments I have read, you can tell who is the homosexual and who is not. The homosexual is the one who does not show his or her name. They still hide. We, the majority, will be ordered to accept these few in our ranks. All I see is a mass exadus from the service. It was better before when we had "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We did not know who was homosexual unless they showed themselves. Now the Navy will lose a lot of good people because they will ask for discharge to avoid trouble. God help us!
12/27/2010 1:25:00 PM
I can not find any connection between ones sexual preference and performing to standards in our Navy. My best friend likes blondes and is the best reactor laboratory technician to ever sail aboard a submarine. I prefer Native American women and have a flawless record - point is the Navy demands high standards. If you can meet and exceed those standards and project the core values in your performance, then everything else is irrelevant.
I can not find any connection between ones sexual preference and performing to standards in our Navy. My best friend likes blondes and is the best reactor laboratory technician to ever sail aboard a submarine. I prefer Native American women and have a flawless record - point is the Navy demands high standards. If you can meet and exceed those standards and project the core values in your performance, then everything else is irrelevant.
12/26/2010 4:20:00 AM
There is absolutely nothing that anyone can say anywhere at anytime to justify homosexuality! It is a learned behavior, just like smoking and drinking. There should be no such thing as "gay rights" or be considered equally with civil rights, because a person is gay because of what they do, not who they are. The Bible says man shall not lie with a man as he does with a woman! Christians are to hate the sin, not the sinner!
There is absolutely nothing that anyone can say anywhere at anytime to justify homosexuality! It is a learned behavior, just like smoking and drinking. There should be no such thing as "gay rights" or be considered equally with civil rights, because a person is gay because of what they do, not who they are. The Bible says man shall not lie with a man as he does with a woman! Christians are to hate the sin, not the sinner!
12/24/2010 3:28:00 PM
This article was posted on freerepublic with a request to "freep" the article. I would discount most of the comments seen as they're from users of that website.
This article was posted on freerepublic with a request to "freep" the article. I would discount most of the comments seen as they're from users of that website.
12/24/2010 1:11:00 PM
You people who think this is the end of the Navy and the end of the United States are idiots. I wish Congress would repeal the "Dont Ask, Dont Tell" policy on stupidity and ignorance. I would have no problem serving with an openly gay person.
You people who think this is the end of the Navy and the end of the United States are idiots. I wish Congress would repeal the "Dont Ask, Dont Tell" policy on stupidity and ignorance. I would have no problem serving with an openly gay person.
12/24/2010 4:49:00 AM
There have been and will always be "gays" serving in our military. he only difference now is people don't have to be afraid of who they are. Yes, I believe in God too, but if God didn't want gays in this world he wouldn't have created them. Stop with your ignorance and your fake beliefs! Just because you may be against homosexuality doesn't mean everyone is and not all feel the same as you! By all means get your paperwork ready for retirement, as I see it the Navy doesn't need people like you!
There have been and will always be "gays" serving in our military. he only difference now is people don't have to be afraid of who they are. Yes, I believe in God too, but if God didn't want gays in this world he wouldn't have created them. Stop with your ignorance and your fake beliefs! Just because you may be against homosexuality doesn't mean everyone is and not all feel the same as you! By all means get your paperwork ready for retirement, as I see it the Navy doesn't need people like you!
12/23/2010 8:19:00 PM
Well I must say, I'm surprised by the unprofessionalism of some comments. Some of you miss the point. As a proud retired openly gay chief petty officer, it's about time! The U.S. Navy, and military as a whole, will be just fine. :-)
Well I must say, I'm surprised by the unprofessionalism of some comments. Some of you miss the point. As a proud retired openly gay chief petty officer, it's about time! The U.S. Navy, and military as a whole, will be just fine. :-)
12/23/2010 2:30:00 PM
Sir, The only thing this repeal did was weaken a nation. Which one of you amongst our "flag" leadership is going to accept responsibility when, not if, but when, this causes violence in the ranks of our junior enlisted? Which one of you will stand by the side of we, the senior enlisted, when we are accused of discrimination by a substandard troop? Never mind, I already know. Stand by for the flood of retirement papers that will be going in.
Sir, The only thing this repeal did was weaken a nation. Which one of you amongst our "flag" leadership is going to accept responsibility when, not if, but when, this causes violence in the ranks of our junior enlisted? Which one of you will stand by the side of we, the senior enlisted, when we are accused of discrimination by a substandard troop? Never mind, I already know. Stand by for the flood of retirement papers that will be going in.
12/23/2010 12:58:00 PM
With all do respect, I am very disappointed in the chief of naval operations for bowing down to political pressure and stating little or no impact will result in this repeal. As one of the senior members in the chain of command and as a Christian in the Navy, I do not want to train Sailors on a 'lifestyle' choice I feel is disgusting and immoral. The only 'lie' or 'dishonor' homosexuals are living is their belief that their 'lifestyle is acceptable and morally correct. Please do not force me to choice...God wins.
With all do respect, I am very disappointed in the chief of naval operations for bowing down to political pressure and stating little or no impact will result in this repeal. As one of the senior members in the chain of command and as a Christian in the Navy, I do not want to train Sailors on a 'lifestyle' choice I feel is disgusting and immoral. The only 'lie' or 'dishonor' homosexuals are living is their belief that their 'lifestyle is acceptable and morally correct. Please do not force me to choice...God wins.
12/23/2010 12:06:00 AM
As a God-fearing Christian, I am disappointed in the direction that our nation's leaders are taking this country. I've been proud to be an American because of the good, Christian values integrated into the Constitution and our Judeo-Christian based legal system. One of the reasons why I joined the Navy was that it was one of the few remaining places where decency (in clothing, language, etc.) could be enforced. Now I feel that I will forced to tolerate something I strongly feel is indecent...
As a God-fearing Christian, I am disappointed in the direction that our nation's leaders are taking this country. I've been proud to be an American because of the good, Christian values integrated into the Constitution and our Judeo-Christian based legal system. One of the reasons why I joined the Navy was that it was one of the few remaining places where decency (in clothing, language, etc.) could be enforced. Now I feel that I will forced to tolerate something I strongly feel is indecent...
12/22/2010 4:16:00 PM
The chief of naval operations should be ashamed of himself for giving cover to this destructive and disgusting policy. The chain of command is broken and it has broken at the top. Mass resignation would be appropriate in the face of this incompetent chain of command. White17 U.S. Army (retired)
The chief of naval operations should be ashamed of himself for giving cover to this destructive and disgusting policy. The chain of command is broken and it has broken at the top. Mass resignation would be appropriate in the face of this incompetent chain of command. White17 U.S. Army (retired)
12/22/2010 3:45:00 PM
Once again the Navy demonstrates that mission completion will be subjugated to political correctness. This will create additional burdens for an already stressed fleet. Although that was determined to be of lesser importance than giving protected status based on a “lifestyle decision." The chief of naval operations demonstrates a whole new meaning to the core value of commitment.
Once again the Navy demonstrates that mission completion will be subjugated to political correctness. This will create additional burdens for an already stressed fleet. Although that was determined to be of lesser importance than giving protected status based on a “lifestyle decision." The chief of naval operations demonstrates a whole new meaning to the core value of commitment.
12/22/2010 3:35:00 PM
This new policy is perversion of human morality and will result in violating the rights of thousands of military personnel. We segregate men and woman into different facilities (bunking and bathing) in order to prevent possible heterosexual indiscretions and protect individuals from this but then plan to institute a double-standard whereas people are forced to bunk and shower and work in closed quarters with people who openly profess a perversion for the same gender, this files in the face of....
This new policy is perversion of human morality and will result in violating the rights of thousands of military personnel. We segregate men and woman into different facilities (bunking and bathing) in order to prevent possible heterosexual indiscretions and protect individuals from this but then plan to institute a double-standard whereas people are forced to bunk and shower and work in closed quarters with people who openly profess a perversion for the same gender, this files in the face of....
12/22/2010 3:16:00 PM
Very bad idea to cave to political correctness. What happens when junior enlisted (or officer) personnel start getting unwelcome sexual advances by homosexual senior personnel? It will get really ugly! U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Navy Air veteran.
Very bad idea to cave to political correctness. What happens when junior enlisted (or officer) personnel start getting unwelcome sexual advances by homosexual senior personnel? It will get really ugly! U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Navy Air veteran.
12/22/2010 3:05:00 PM
The elephant in the room that the homophobes against this repeal ignore is that there are already gays serving in the U.S. military. They have been serving in the military and will always serve in the military.
The elephant in the room that the homophobes against this repeal ignore is that there are already gays serving in the U.S. military. They have been serving in the military and will always serve in the military.
12/22/2010 2:59:00 PM
I agree with this repeal. The government shouldn't be discriminating based on how someone identifies themselves or how they feel, only on behavior as outlined in the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Homosexuals can and should be allowed to fight openly with enlisted men and women and not be punished for it. If anyone wants to serve, God bless them.
I agree with this repeal. The government shouldn't be discriminating based on how someone identifies themselves or how they feel, only on behavior as outlined in the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Homosexuals can and should be allowed to fight openly with enlisted men and women and not be punished for it. If anyone wants to serve, God bless them.
12/22/2010 2:00:00 PM
Please excuse the old fools who write that this will be the end of the Navy. They present only the same archaic arguments as those who opposed the integration of minorities and women into the armed forces.
Please excuse the old fools who write that this will be the end of the Navy. They present only the same archaic arguments as those who opposed the integration of minorities and women into the armed forces.
12/22/2010 12:31:00 PM
What requirements are there going to be for this ruling? Is there going to be a change to where those of us that have strong religious/moral beliefs cannot make statements to the fact that it is wrong/immoral to be homosexual? If so, in order to prevent other than honorable discharges is there going to be a window in which those of us that are strongly religious can request separation under best interest of the service, or something similar? This has bad possibilities for religious freedom violations.
What requirements are there going to be for this ruling? Is there going to be a change to where those of us that have strong religious/moral beliefs cannot make statements to the fact that it is wrong/immoral to be homosexual? If so, in order to prevent other than honorable discharges is there going to be a window in which those of us that are strongly religious can request separation under best interest of the service, or something similar? This has bad possibilities for religious freedom violations.
12/22/2010 11:35:00 AM
Substitute "colored" for "gay," and I’m instantly transported back to July 26, 1948.
Substitute "colored" for "gay," and I’m instantly transported back to July 26, 1948.
12/22/2010 7:03:00 AM
Not sure why everyone is so surprised that this is happening. I have been in the Navy for more than 20 years and have known many fine Sailors who are gay/lesbian. In my own experiences, no one has ever forced their sexual orientation down anyone else's throat, and I'm not so sure it's going to start now. Honestly, I can't see too much change happening.
Not sure why everyone is so surprised that this is happening. I have been in the Navy for more than 20 years and have known many fine Sailors who are gay/lesbian. In my own experiences, no one has ever forced their sexual orientation down anyone else's throat, and I'm not so sure it's going to start now. Honestly, I can't see too much change happening.
12/20/2010 5:54:00 PM
I'm against this politically correct, socially awkward, militarily disastrous new development. For all the so-called allies who've managed to build homosexuals into their fighting force, few have a navy, none have a Navy of our size and complexity. We have had way more than enough discipline and management challenges with the advent of women at sea. Now, there seems no common line in the sand of the beachhead or in the focsle. What's a skipper to do..."security" camera in every space?
I'm against this politically correct, socially awkward, militarily disastrous new development. For all the so-called allies who've managed to build homosexuals into their fighting force, few have a navy, none have a Navy of our size and complexity. We have had way more than enough discipline and management challenges with the advent of women at sea. Now, there seems no common line in the sand of the beachhead or in the focsle. What's a skipper to do..."security" camera in every space?
12/20/2010 10:34:00 AM
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my personal opinion. With all due respect, the truth is there is nothing respectable or dignified about homosexuality, which affects 2 percent of the population. Despite the claims made concerning the personnel survey that a majority of service members accept open homosexuality in the ranks, most I know are against it. I believe most in the armed forces understand this. What about the Navy core value of honor? Nothing honorable comes out of bowing to political correctness, only destruction and grief. Dear God save our nation in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my personal opinion. With all due respect, the truth is there is nothing respectable or dignified about homosexuality, which affects 2 percent of the population. Despite the claims made concerning the personnel survey that a majority of service members accept open homosexuality in the ranks, most I know are against it. I believe most in the armed forces understand this. What about the Navy core value of honor? Nothing honorable comes out of bowing to political correctness, only destruction and grief. Dear God save our nation in the name of Jesus Christ.
12/20/2010 7:32:00 AM
This will mark the end of the Navy as I knew it...
This will mark the end of the Navy as I knew it...
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As I reach my 10 years in the Navy I have to say thank you to Congress for finally setting me free. I have served at the side of a lot of Sailors and officers in my five duty stations. As a service member I can assure you that the repeal of this policy will not really change that much the way gay members conduct there day to day business. Now when I walk out of my home with my partner I don’t have to look back to see if anyone is looking. If something happens to me he can be taken care of. I don’t want more than any one else has, I want the same, just the chance to be free to love the one I love and the one who loves me. IT2(SW) USN (active)