It may initially spark a few red flags as government invasion of privacy, but gay rights groups are applauding the British Armed Forces for announcing they will now ask new recruits to disclose their sexual orientation.
It’s important to note that the disclosure is completely optional — recruits are free to opt out if they so choose. The logic is that the more personnel records the forces has on its service men and women, the more support and protection they can provide.
James Wharton, who suffered violent attacks in the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals for being gay and who was once famously saved by Prince Harry, said:
“It’s fantastic news. But it’s important troops don’t have to reveal sexual preferences. I wasn’t ready to do that.”
The ban on gay troops has been lifted since 2000. Since then, the Ministry of Defense has issued several retroactive human rights payouts to soldiers who were discriminated against based on sexuality.
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H/t: Mirror
MacAdvisor
I assume the British are going to ask about their recruit’s sexual orientation, not preference. Sexual orientation is about the gender one seeks to mate with. One’s sexual preference is what one likes to do during mating. Thus, that one is gay is a sexual orientation. That one likes to bottom and tit play is a sexual preference.
awdjeep
I believe the British lifted the ban in 2000 and not 2010 as mentioned.
ric
I think when I wake up tomorrow. My sexual preference will be straight. And if that happens the world has come to an end.
onthemark
My “sexual preference” is MORE PLEASE…
jason smeds
This is a ridiculously stupid move by the British Army. It will create divisions. It will also underestimate the number of men with same-sex feelings as it is well known that most men never admit to it. It will give fuel to those who think we are a tiny minority not worthy of civil rights.
jwtraveler
@MacAdvisor: What a ridiculous comment, as if ANYONE reading this doesn’t know that.@jason smeds: Did you even bother to read the story before post your usual off-the-wall comment?
Tobi
@jwtraveler: Re: @MacAdvisor: comment. I didn’t know that.