April 1, 2011 | Sex & Society

DADT not over for some

Some people just can't let go of the past.

A 26-year-old service member who was outed in 2009 went to a hearing yesterday that would determine if he could still be discharged from the Navy under 'don't ask, don't tell.' 

"All I've gotten is support and shock that this is happening — nothing negative," Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek Morado said.

Robin McGehee, executive director of GetEqual, said, "The fact that the Navy is trying to slide one more discharge in under the wire is disgusting, and must be called out for what it is — blatant discrimination and bullying."

The US Government agreed to repeal DADT earlier this year, allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly and honestly. However, the law is technically still in effect while the government prepares servicemen and women for the change.

If the discharge is approved, the secretary of the Navy would need to sign off on the decision. However, we think that there is enough political pressure to ensure that Morado will not lose his job. (And we're sure the government isn't interested in fighting the lawsuit that would likely follow.)