by James A. Donovan

About the author: James A. Donovan is a retired colonel of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Ranking military officials and other spokesmen defending the policy denying official recognition and acceptance of homosexuals in the armed services are not articulating their case adequately. Much more must be explained to a confused public and to ill-informed and inexperienced journalists and media commentators.

First, it should be reiterated that current laws, regulations, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice prescribe punishments, including court martial and/or dismissal from the service, for homosexual activities in the military services. These laws cannot be abrogated by simple executive order or policy but would have to be changed by Congress, preceded by lengthy and emotional hearings and debates.

Second, there is much more to the issue than...