Gays have been in the military since the beginning of armed conflict, and allowing them to admit that fact does not change the fact that they take the same risk as straight service members and are due the same respect.

Quotes like these are increasingly common — even from Christians — and demonstrate ignorance of the point of those who have opposed repeal of the law banning homosexuals from serving.

The fact that homosexuals have served within the military, in violation of the law, does not nullify the validity of the law (anymore than violation of any other law does so).

Risk, sacrifice, etc, are all irrelevant.  There is no Constitutional right to serve in the US armed forces.  A person who does not meet the military’s standards for physical capability, emotional stability, and moral character are routinely, and rightfully, discriminated against regardless of their personal desire, patriotism, or willingness to serve their country.

With regard to other “difficult moral areas,” the US military actively advocates for virtue and against vice in those areas.  It promotes the sanctity of marriage and fights against divorce.  It continues to prosecute adultery.  It promotes sobriety, smoking cessation, and is currently prohibited from performing abortions.  Contrary to some assertions, the military does not target civilians in combat and often goes to painful risks — even to the lives of its own servicemembers — to avoid unnecessary loss of life.

The military is entering an era, for the first time, where it would not advocate against a “difficult moral area” that was not a recognized human liberty protected by the Constitution.