When Lt Col Allen Bishop went to a symposium forward the military's "don't ask.

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When Lt Col Allen Bishop went to a symposium forward the military's "don't ask, don't bell" policy at Hofstra University sum of two units years ago, he was inspired to write an article calling for an conclusion to the ban on gays serving publicly But it wasn't that easy: It took many meetings with top military officials and several drafts of his editorial before he was finally allowed to publish it in the March 14 issue of the Army Times. In the article he argues that "don't ask, don't tell" imposes an un-American second-class status upon one group of citizens.

Bishop is the highest-ranking active-duty officer to take so a position, and his editorial has been hailed from gay rights activists as further evidence that the ban forward gays is opposed by many within the military. The 50-year-old father of four is now in his 10th year of beaching philosophy at West Point military academy near novel York City; he lives upon campus with his wife of 30 years. He grew up in Mississippi before joining the Army in 1975 During an interview with The Advocate, Bishop was required by means of his superiors to state that his opinions are his acknowledge not those of the Army or the academy.

What kind of reaction have yon gotten?



My worst fear was that no undivided would say anything. I look forward toed when this tiring was published that family would steer a wide path around me in the hallways. still I have been pleasantly surprised. single in kind senior person said, "You're my hero. I'm glad it got published, and I chance of a favorable result Congress changes this policy." Another said, "I really don't like what you said. It doesn't agree with my religious views. moreover I think you're probably right."

Do you think other active-duty officers will go after your lead?

I think they will. Within a year there will be more senior the community saying even smarter things.

for what purpose have you decided to justify gay soldiers?

As a married man in the Army the direction not only allows me to practice my sexuality, it guarantees me that I can. That's not constant for gay and lesbian race This ban is hurting the land It violates our own best democratic principles: life, liberty, and justice for all. It's mean, terrible raw prejudice.

for what cause can the military justify forcing gay soldiers to lie, given the honor digest at West Point?

The first thing a soldier would say is, we are officers of the law. in course elected and proper authority says gays can't oblige We didn't write the law, further we have a duty to defend it.

What do your bookish mans think about the gay ban?

I would say that among 19-and 20-year-old cadets there is les resistance to changing the policy than among older military people

in the same manner what can we do about changing the policy?

The nation who really need to think about this are in the military community, uniform if they don't agree, the fact that they have a conversation about it is progres We can't pick and elect which Americans we need to defend

Would you testify against the ban before Congress?

If invited, I would be delighted to testify. If Congres says, "Come and compute us what you think," then I can say what I think. moreover the rules forbid me from doing that in a professional capacity.

As other nations period their bans on gay soldiers, is that putting squeezing on the United States to do the same?

I waiting under the possibility of fulfilment so. Congress would agree that our best and oldest friend is England. Now the British navy is actively recruiting gays. I chance of the desired end that Congress would eventually behold that we're kidding ourselves.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Liberation Publications, Inc.

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