Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 11, 1993 TAG: 9305110275
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KERRY DeROCHI STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Long
In a passionate plea for his career, the gay flier pointed to the golden wings he wore on his crisp white uniform. His voice shook when he spoke of the day he could again paint his name on the side of a large gray bomber.
But Thorne's drama was lost on the crowd.
"Your lifestyle is not normal," said U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, after Thorne had finished. "It's not normal for a man to want to be with a man or a woman to want to be a with a woman. Did you take any steps to get any help from a psychiatric standpoint?"
Thorne replied, "If I could have changed my sexual orientation as a child, I would have." Growing up as a homosexual, he said, is "a pain I would not wish on anyone."
Monday, there was little common ground at the Norfolk Naval Base. Those on opposing sides of the debate over a study to lift the military's ban on gays stood firm in their convictions.
During a four-hour hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, 17 witnesses testified. All but two opposed serving next to an openly gay man or woman. And the two dissenters were both gay.
Cheers and applause from hundreds of military men and women interrupted the witnesses as one by one most of them repeated their support for the ban. They cited as among their concerns cramped showers and sleeping quarters and the threat of contracting AIDs.
The witnesses warned that unit cohesion would be destroyed and morale would collapse. Lives would be lost on and off the battlefield, they said. Shipmates would be unable to focus on their jobs.
"Don't do it, please," said Fleet Master Chief Ronald Carter. "Keep our Navy strong and proud."
The hearing, held in the Norfolk Naval Base auditorium, was the first of two field trips planned by the Senate committee.
In the morning, the senators toured the carrier John F. Kennedy, two amphibious ships and two submarines. They inspected the crews' living quarters and talked to sailors about President Clinton's proposal to lift the ban.
At noon, a handful of gay-rights supporters gathered in a parking lot across from the base auditorium. They held press releases accusing committee Chairman Sam Nunn, D-Ga., of grandstanding and played a videotape of witnesses they claim were too scared to come forward and support lifting the ban.
"Today did nothing more than to legitimize fears and biases," said Tom Stoddard, director of the Campaign for Military Service, a Washington-based advocacy group. "We need public debate and understanding. Today we've just seen a sideshow."
Those at the news conference included the mother of a 22-year-old sailor, Allen Schindlers, who was beaten to death in October in Japan, one month after he announced he was gay. Dorothy Hajdys was not allowed to testify in front of the committee because officials said testimony was reserved for members of the military.
"I believe part of the reason Allen is dead is because of the ban," Hajdys said.
"Military service is unique, it's more than a job," said Nunn, who opposes lifting the ban. ". . . Military men and women do not have a right to choose their home. They do not have a right to choose who they share their berth with."
Much of the testimony Monday centered on that difference. The witnesses, ranging in experience from three years to 31, testified that the military does not conform to the rules of society.
Not everyone is allowed to serve, they said. Those who cannot reach the height requirements or have bad eyes or flat feet are discriminated against regularly.
Half of the opposition is based on moral grounds, they said. The other half objects because of privacy. They don't want to take showers or sleep near a homosexual.
"If you ask me to share that with a homosexual, you've taken away that last piece of dignity," said Petty Officer Ginger McElfresh. "Bottom line is, if homosexuals are allowed to serve in the military, we should take down the [restroom] signs `Men' and `Women.'
Others said allowing gay men and lesbians to serve openly would destroy the moral fiber of the service.
"They're trying to use the government to legitimize their lifestyle," said Cmdr. Lin Hutton. "We're here to tell you today, this is a grave, grave error."
The only two witnesses in favor of lifting the ban were were Thorne and Lt. j.g. Dirk Selland, a submarine supply officer who is awaiting discharge for being gay.
Selland told his commanding officer in January that he was gay. He told the committee he came out because he thought President Clinton was going to lift the ban.
"I ask you, what is the crime in wanting to serve my country?" he said. "I love my country and am very proud to wear my Navy uniform. I now stand to lose a career I have spent a life preparing for."
The Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service provided information for this story.
by CNB