Gay soldiers allowed to wear uniform in Parade

[davidmash]

Troops march in San Diego gay parade - in uniform

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Some of the loudest cheers Saturday at San Diego's gay pride parade were for active-duty troops marching in military dress, the first time that U.S. service members participated in such an event while in full uniform.

Dozens of soldiers, sailors, and Marines marched alongside an old Army truck decorated with a "Freedom to Serve" banner and a rainbow flag. They were joined by dozens more military personnel in civilian clothes, but the uniforms stood out among the flower-bedecked floats and scantily clad revelers.

Spectators waved signs reading, "Thank you for your service." A woman held a placard that said: "My gay son is a Naval officer."

If solders can participate in other events in uniform, there is no reason this should be any different. Good for them.

[SwampYankee]

Originally Posted by davidmash

Troops march in San Diego gay parade - in uniform


If solders can participate in other events in uniform, there is no reason this should be any different. Good for them.

Yup.

[Txjake]

"Wearing Army uniforms is prohibited in the following situations:

•In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interest, or when engaged in off duty civilian employment.
•When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except as authorized by competent authority.
•When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist organization.
•When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army.
•When specifically prohibited by Army regulations. "


When The Wear Of The Army Uniform Is Required Or Prohibited (ArmyStudyGuide.com)

As a former member of the service, I am troubled with ANY wearing of the uniform outside the normal duties and activities of the service. I understand the desire to be recognized, but the uniform is not meant to be a part of the political discourse spectrum

I see DOD authorized it, so it was sanctioned, but I am still bothered by the use of the uniform as a symbol. I am NOT anti-gay.

[elchivito]

"...except as authorized by competent authority."

Which it was. Good for them.

[jplinville]

yeah...as if the terrorists needed another reason to attack us.

[Stretch]

I guess they're trying to get more cork. A man in uniform is probably popular with both sexes.

[Air&Road]

If they had worn their uniforms to most any other function with an element of political demonstration they probably would have been court martialed.

There's nothing more important in today's world than political correctness.

[MTI]

The news has been loaded with heterosexual servicemen keeping their uniforms on, so this was a refreshing change.

[kerry]

Looks like the deity will be sending an extra dose of hurricanes our way after this display.

[ramonajim]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

If they had worn their uniforms to most any other function with an element of political demonstration they probably would have been court martialed.

There's nothing more important in today's world than political correctness.

Not if they did so with the authorization of competent authority. Which the marchers in the Gay Pride Parade had. So what was your point?

[Dee8go]

They're serving their country. They have a right to be gay. They ought to be ecstatic.

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by ramonajim

Not if they did so with the authorization of competent authority. Which the marchers in the Gay Pride Parade had. So what was your point?

My point is obvious. Had they worn their uniforms to a political demonstration that was NOT of a politically correct nature such as a gay activist march, they would have not received permission and if they had done it without permission they would have been court martialed.

What is so difficult to understand about this?

We live in a country almost completely DOMINATED by political correctness.

[davidmash]

Originally Posted by jplinville

yeah...as if the terrorists needed another reason to attack us.

Should we look at Christianity (as well as all other religions), women's rights, dress codes and a host of other offensive behaviors based on the possible reactions by zealots?

As if a few gay soldiers in a parade is going to send the zealots over the edge.

[Dudesky]

Originally Posted by davidmash

Troops march in San Diego gay parade - in uniform


If solders can participate in other events in uniform, there is no reason this should be any different. Good for them.

Target rich environment for Islamic fundamentalists if you ask me.

[davidmash]

Sure, because they love everything else about the US.