It HAS to be a Constitutional matter only, and the
Post# of 65629
Which the Founding Fathers were clearly in favor of.
Change is inevitable, some like it some don't.
If the arc of the moral universe does bend toward justice, then it also bends toward an expansion of civil rights for those who've been discriminated against.
The estimates are that there are 4,000 such service members. I would guess that the majority are not in 'combat arms', but rather a variety of technical and administrative roles. So 'readiness' as we think of it is unlikely to be adversely effected.
In any case, the list of countries that've done it is lengthy and I would guess the list of lessons is too.
My view on all of this is that I'm unwilling to vote for laws to make myself feel more comfortable, more 'righteous', when they also entail continuing or expanding a constriction of rights on others.
I call it my 'non-busybody, Live and Let Live' Amendment.
It's also a non-big gubment amendment.
Also, you want to enlist in the armed forces? Good for you.
And if you're of military age and you're whining about this issue, STFU and go down to the recruiting office. Because someone who
no longer has balls, still has more balls than you.
LOL!