More Difficult to oust Servicemen under DADT

From Defense Secretary Gates' announcement:

The interim measures take effect immediately, Mr. Gates said, and will ensure that the current policy is carried out in “a fairer and more appropriate manner,” and in a way based on “common sense and common decency.”

The new rules require that only an officer with the rank of at least a one-star
general or admiral can initiate a fact-finding inquiry or other proceeding, or order any discharge under “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

The guidelines raise the standard for evidence, an effort to prevent “malicious outing” by a third party or a jilted partner. Information provided by a third party must be given
under oath.

Also prohibited would be information provided to lawyers, clergy members or psychotherapists, as well as to doctors involved in the person’s medical treatment or gathered in a security clearance investigation, in accordance with current policies.

“This looks like a good step forward on the administration’s promise to end discrimination against gays in the military,” said Richard Socarides, a lawyer who served as the Clinton administration’s special assistant for gay rights issues. “My only question is, What took them so long?”