S Korea to Change Ban on Gay’s in the Military?



October 27, 2010 
S Korea to Change Ban on Gay’s in the Military?
In top news out of Seoul, South Korea’s military criminal code which punished homosexuality in the military ranks has been termed a violation of soldiers’ rights, according to the country’s human rights commission.
According to the rules in the current code, being gay, or rather ‘homosexuality’ among servicemen is punishable by up to one year in jail! However, the constitutional court is now reviewing this issue after requests from a military court.
South Korea’s rights commission met earlier this week to agree a position to deliver to the court next month.   The majority of opinion is that the current law infringes gay soldiers’ rights to equality, privacy and to choose a sexual preference.
“Homosexuality does not directly weaken combat capability, morale or unity,” the rights panel said in a special report, something that other military forces around the world can testify to.  A message that needs to be heard loud and clear by all countries that  still have bans on gays serving in the forces.
“In countries like Canada, Australia and Israel, openly gay soldiers are also allowed to enlist for military service.”
Military officials do argue that the position is different in South Korea, as it has a mainly conscript military of 655,000. Indeed under current regulations, all physically fit and mentally stable men are liable to serve at least two years in the forces. .
However, homosexuality is not a crime under the civilian legal code in South Korea, so most agree that it should not be so under military rule. .
“Punishment by the military criminal law is against the current of the times because it infringes upon (soldiers) rights to equality.” The report says, which is also being carried by the local and international media.
Between 2004 and 2007 there were 176 homosexuality cases in the military, leading to three soldiers being convicted.
Jason’s personal blog, the true life confessions of a a cheesecake muncher continues at  www.seafrontdiary.com
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