PFLAG Online: As Pentagon Confirms Alarming Increase in ‘Moral Waiver’ Enlistees,

Colonel Daniel Tepfer Calls Military’s Gay Ban ‘Affront to American Principles’

Washington, DC – Following a new report from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, confirming a sharp increase in the number of ‘moral waivers’ being issued for new enlistees who would otherwise be disqualified from service, a retired Air Force Colonel is calling on elected leaders and military officials to abandon the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel. Colonel Daniel Tepfer, USAF (Ret.), who also serves on the national board of directors of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) called the law an affront to American principles of fairness and equality.

“I swore, as an Air Force officer, to ‘support and defend the Constitution of the United States,’” Colonel Tepfer, who served for more than 23 years in the Air Force, said today. “My unwavering belief is that the privileges and responsibilities of the Constitution, including military service, are for all citizens, including my gay child and other gay and lesbian citizens. I am proud of my military career, as are my wife and children. I know many stellar lesbian and gay troops who also served proudly, but who could not serve openly about their lives and their loved ones. Our national priority should be on the qualification of potential service members, not on discriminating against them because of who they are.”

According to the Associated Press, the Army issued 511 so-called ‘moral waivers’ in 2007, up from 249 the year before. Marine Corps waivers rose from 208 in 2006 to 350 in fiscal year 2007. “The bulk of the crimes involved were burglaries, other thefts, and drug offenses, but nine involved sex crimes and six involved manslaughter or vehicular homicide convictions,” AP reported. “Several dozen Army and Marine recruits had aggravated assault or robbery convictions, including incidents involving weapons.”

“While second chances are, in many cases, a noble thing to offer, lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans aren’t given even a first chance to serve,” said Tepfer. “As a retired officer, I am appalled that our country continues to turn away or dismiss talented, qualified Americans who want to serve. It is indefensible that the only reason for denial is their sexual orientation.”
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