By Jillian Farrel -- February 24, 2010
A new comprehensive study shows allowing openly gay service members to serve in the military is, in fact, not disruptive.
This finding is in direct opposition of some Pentagon leaders, who are debating banning the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, which bans openly gay military members.
The study, "Gays in Foreign Militaries 2010: A Global Primer," was released Tuesday by the Palm Center, a research group at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It was written by Nathaniel Frank, who also authored the book "Unfriendly Fire: How The Gay Ban Undermines The Military and Weakens America."
The report concludes that in foreign militaries, openly gay service members did not undermine morale, cause large resignations, or even cause a lot of admittances concerning one's sexual orientation, which is one of the arguments in the Pentagon for reasons against repealing the ban.
Frank conducted studies in several countries, such as Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, which allow gays to openly serve in the military.
In addition, Frank found there was no increased harassment towards gay members. In these aforementioned countries, Frank found no segregation between gays and heterosexuals; there were no separate facilities based on one's sexual orientation.
On NBC's "Meet The Press" program, General David. H. Petraeus, the commander of the United States Central Command who oversees the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, believes a poll of military attitudes on the ban "is very important to the overall process."
The White House is planning to introduce legislation next week.
