To the editor:

Britain announced Wednesday that it will end its ban on gays in the military.

The United States is now the only NATO country left to still have a ban. Gays are already allowed to serve in the French, German and Israeli military.

Canada and Australia have ended their bans without disruption. It is an insult to our military to say that they are too prejudiced to change also.

Those guilty of misconduct in the service, whether homosexual or heterosexual, should be dealt with sternly, the “Tailhook” incident involving Navy aviators being a prime example of abuse. Conduct should be the key.

In June of 1993, the late conservative Barry Goldwater wrote in the Washington Post: “With all the good this country has accomplished and stood for, I know that we can rise to the challenge, do the right thing and lift the ban on gays in the military. Countries with far less leadership and discipline have traveled this way and successfully. We have wasted enough precious time, money and talent trying to persecute and pretend. It’s time to stop burying our heads in the sand and denying reality for the sake of politics. No American able to serve should be allowed, much less given an excuse, not to serve their country. We need all our talent.”

Alan L. Light

Resident

Iowa City