DADT: Ambiguity, Calls for Protections Continue with Repeal

A US Department of Defense news release indicated the Defense Department was “set” for the repeal of the policy most commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  The release had an interesting statement regarding policy changes:

While many changes in policies and regulations already have taken place, some changes in how repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law will be implemented must wait until after the law takes effect.

These policies and regulations will be promulgated tomorrow [Tuesday], the Pentagon press secretary said.

This was elsewhere described as

As soon as the ban is lifted, the Defense Department will publish revised regulations to reflect the new law that will allow gays to serve openly. The revisions [include] eliminating references to banned homosexual service…

This appears to be some of the “missing” information the House Armed Services Committee and others were looking for, saying the military should have already published it.  Groups of Chaplains and endorsers have continued to press for guidance and religious freedom protections for Chaplains and members of the military with religious or moral opposition to homosexuality.

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council called for a halt to repeal, noting the absence of guidance on key issues raised by Congress.

“Members of Congress are still waiting for answers to their questions about how opening the military to homosexuality will affect issues of religious freedom, conscience exemptions and same-sex partner benefits. Congress doesn’t even have copies of the rule changes itself.”

The DoD, which has tried to “downplay” repeal as “business as usual,” has indicated homosexuals may enlist starting Tuesday, including those previously discharged — though former troops discharged for homosexuality will not be given special treatment over those discharged for other reasons.

With reference to the ADF.