Citing “the government’s legitimate interest in military discipline and cohesion,” the U.S. Supreme Court refused on June 8 to hear a case brought against the military by former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo and 11 others who were dismissed from service under the discriminatory “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” was initiated in 1993 by the Clinton administration as a “compromise” position on ending the ban against LGBT service members. Under the discriminatory policy, LGBT people can serve in the armed forces, but must suppress their sexuality. Commanding officers may not enquire into a subordinate’s sexuality, but this has not stopped the military brass from discharging thousands of soldiers.
According to polls, most people in the United States favor allowing LGBT people to serve openly.
The Supreme Court’s decision and the Obama administration’s refusal to fulfill a campaign promise to end “don’t ask, don’t tell” reveal the vested interests of the ruling class to promote divisions among rank-and-file soldiers and all workers.
