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DoD POLICY ON HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT. DoD Policy on Homosexual Conduct. At the conclusion of this session, you will be able to: State basic points of DoD Policy Define Sexual Orientation State Commander’s Responsibilities Describe characteristics of credible information
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DoD Policy on Homosexual Conduct At the conclusion of this session, you will be able to: • State basic points of DoD Policy • Define Sexual Orientation • State Commander’s Responsibilities • Describe characteristics of credible information • List staff resources who can provide assistance
The Policy: Suitability is based on CONDUCT
SEXUAL ORIENTATION • Is a personal/private matter • Is “an abstract sexual preference for persons of a particular sex as distinct from a propensity to engage in sexual acts”
DEFINITIONS • Propensity: Indicates a likelihood that a person engages in or will engage in homosexual acts • Homosexual: A person, regardless of sex, who engages in, attempts to engage in, has a propensity to engage in, or intends to engage in homosexual acts
WHAT IS HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT? S.A.M. • STATEMENT • ACT • MARRIAGE BETWEEN THE SAME SEX
STATEMENT • Conveyed through language or behavior • Indicates a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts • IS REBUTTABLE
ACTS • ANY BODILY CONTACT: • Activily undertaken or passively permitted, between same sex persons for the purpose of satisfying sexual desires • That a reasonable person would understand to show a propensity or intent to engage in act described above
Behaviors which are not homosexual acts • Associating with known homosexuals • Marching in a gay rights rally in civilian clothes • Possessing or reading homosexual publications • Going to a gay bar
RECAP • Sexual Orientation is a private/personal matter • CONDUCT determines suitability for service • Homosexual Conduct (SAM) is justification for administrative discharge
DoD POLICY ON HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT AFFECTS • Accessions • Separations • Criminal Investigations • Security Investigations • Military Training
ACCESSIONS • Sexual orientation ALONE is not a bar • Will not be asked to reveal whether they are heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual • All will be informed of policy
SEPARATIONS • Based on CONDUCT • Three bases: S A M • Discharge for engaging in homosexual conduct will be “honorable” or “under honorable conditions” • A Court-Martial can have worse consequences.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Not done solely to determine sexual orientation • Sexual misconduct alone, between consenting adults, in private, is generally insufficient to prompt a criminal investigation
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Allegations of sexual misconduct handled by CO in the absence of aggravating factors • If CO is uncertain what to do call JAG
PERSONNEL SECURITY • No investigation solely to determine sexual orientation • No questions about sexual orientation on Security Questionaire • Only sexual CONDUCT can be questioned • No info about sexual orientation or conduct can be used for separation
MILITARY TRAINING • Soldiers are to be informed of policy • Commanders, recruiters, and investigators, etc., are to be informed of the policy
Commander’s Responsibilities • Ensure soldiers are briefed on DoD Policy on homosexual conduct • Ensure refresher and optional individual training in Military Justice, IAW AR 27-10, paragraph 19-2f
HOW SHOULD A COMMANDER RESPOND TO ALLEGATIONS OF HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT?
WHAT THE CO SHOULD DO: • Determine if the conduct fits the DoD definition of homosexual conduct (SAM) • Verify that the information is credible • Start informal fact-finding only if credible info exists
WHAT IS CREDIBLE INFO? • Comes from a reliable source • Is an observation (sight or sound) of conduct • Would lead reasonable person to believe the person making the statement or act intended to convey the fact that he/she engages in or has propensity to engage in homosexual conduct.
HOW SHOULD YOUR COMMANDER CARRY OUT THE INQUIRY? • Confine all questions to homosexual conduct (NOT orientation!) • Verify that info is credible • Seek legal advice as needed
RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT YOU • SJA • MP • CID
REVIEW • Basic Points of DoD Policy • Definitions • CO Responsibilities • Available Assistance
Application of the DoD Policy (Discussion of Scenarios)