In a fit of letter writing regarding the ban of homosexuals in the military I sent letters to President Clinton, Senators Nunn (Ga.) and Coverdell (Ga.), Representative Lewis (Ga.) and General Powell. I received the same letter as everybody from President Clinton and also received a positive letter from Representative Lewis (Ga.). Yesterday I received the following letter from Senator Sam Nunn (Ga.): -------------------------------cut here for letter-------------------- United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 March 22, 1993 Mr. Kirk Johanning
Dear Kirk: Thank you for contacting me regarding the military's policy excluding homosexuals from serving in the armed forces. In general, I believe we should encourage every American to serve their country in some capacity, and I applaud the patriotism of all persons, including homosexuals, who desire to serve our nation in the military. I have no doubt that homosexuals have served and are today serving in the armed forces, but most of them are not openly disclosing their sexual orientation. However, I also believe that we should give very careful consideration to the advise of our military commanders on this subject. Although we have a volunteer force, there are still important and clear differences between civilian life and military service. Our national security requires that the armed forces maintain a high level of good order and discipline. In order to maintain military effectiveness, members of the armed forces give up many of the constitutional rights that their civilian counterparts take for granted. The need for discipline, including adherence to the chain of command, means that military members' first amendment rights of speech and association are limited. Service members are also subject to searches and command inspections in living quarters that would not meed the privacy standards and and warrant requirements of the fourth amendment that we take for granted in civilian society. Military personnel face involuntary assignments that require living and working in close proximity with others under conditions that afford little or no privacy. Particularly when military units deploy, living conditions --from foxholes to cramped quarters on ships --are frequently spartan and primitive. We have made important improvements in the quality of life in the military and in the rights afforded to service members, but in the basic nature of military service --preparation for, and participation in combat --means that service members must continue to live in a closely regulated, highly regimented environment. General Colin Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has stated that , in view of the unique conditions of March 22, 1993 Page 2 military service, active and open homosexuality by members of the armed forces would have a negative effect on military morale and discipline. I agree with General Powell. I support the current policy of the Defense Department excluding homosexuals from serving in the armed forces. I also believe, however, that we have to listen to other points of view on this matter. That is exactly what will happen in the coming months under the compromise on this issue announced by President Clinton and endorsed by the Congress. The compromise provides a six-month review period for both the President and the Congress to review the Defense Department's current policy. During the review period, anyone who engages in homosexual conduct will be completely discharges from the military. Anyone who admits to being homosexual, but whose case does not involve homosexual acts, will be separated from active duty and placed in a non-pay status with the Standby Reserve. Military commanders may reassign individuals involved in homosexual cases for the benefit of the individual or the unit concerned. New recruits will no longer be asked about their sexual orientation as part of the enlistment process. Instead, the military services will put specific and appropriate emphasis on informing all military members of the laws and regulations on sexual conduct which apply to them. In my view, this agreement permits the review to go forward without compromising longstanding Department of Defense policies. This spring the Armed Services Committee will begin thorough, fair and comprehensive hearings on this subject. We will hear from senior military and civilian leaders of the Defense Department. I also want to hear directly from the people who would be most affected by changing the current policy: the men and women serving in the ranks of all of the military services. We will make every effort to hear from those who want to change the current policy as well as those who want to keep the current policy. Enclosed is a floor speech I gave which outlines a number of questions that will be addressed during the course of these hearings. This is a difficult and emotional issue. Every man and woman in this country has a right to be respected. Our Constitution enshrines individual rights and liberties. Our Constitution also underscores the essential role of government in March 22, 1993 Page 3 providing for the common defense. When the interests of some individuals bear upon the cohesion and effectiveness of an institution on which our national security depends, we must move very cautiously. This caution is prudence, not prejudice. I appreciate your taking the time to share your vies with me on this important matter. Sincerely, Sam Sam Nunn SN/cch Enclosure --------------------------end of letter-------------------------------- I have tried as much as possible to preserve the actual look of the letter as well. Any typos are mine. He also included the floor speech mentioned above, but it is way too long to type in. The header of it makes it look like it is something that might be obtained by everybody: Congressional Record Proceedings and Debates of the 103rd Congress, First Session Vol. 139 Washington, Wednesday, January 27, 1993 No. 9 So who thinks that he is going to change his mind after the 'hearings'? -- __________________ |__________________| Kirk Johanning |_____\ /_____| The opinions expressed Hewlett-Packard |______\ /______| above are mine and may Response Center - Atlanta |_______\ /_______| not reflect those of my kfj@hpuerca.atl.hp.com |________\/________| employer or anyone else |__________________|