en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/779768 Comments by SanDiegoClaire http://www.foxnewsradio.com/2010/02/02/time-to-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy/#IDComment55111089 The "don't ask don't tell" issue, as with all things in Washington, is a HUGE financial and legal issue, and is much more than meet the eye. If it were only about openness, it would be much easier. Here's the truth: (1) The UCMJ prevents cohabitation and sexual relations between non-married people (although "having a roommate" is allowed), so a gay lifestyle would be in violation of the Code. (2) Further, allowances for housing are provided at one rate to those with legal dependents, and another rate to those without. Roommates do not receive the higher "with dependent" rate and are ineligible for the larger "married" quarters in base housing. If gays are officially "let out", they will want housing and allowances that married heteros get, as well as the complexities of being stationed with their mate, claiming they are denied them due to "unfair" marriage laws. Currently, the federal government does not recognize any gay marriage unions, regardless of state of origin. (3) Notably, they used to discharge women from the military if they got pregnant OR EVEN MARRIED. Changing that law was a pretty major process, but NOTHING compared with the pandora's box this would open. (4) Hence, this issue is MUCH bigger than "keeping secrets" since it involves a hot political subject that the federal government is not ready to solve, and could also impact housing and troop movement costs substantially. Wed, 3 Feb 2010 01:53:42 +0000 http://www.foxnewsradio.com/2010/02/02/time-to-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy/#IDComment55111089