Official reported that Leon Panetta, Pentagon chief, has decided to end the ban on homosexuals serving in the armed forces ending the 17 yr old ban.

His decision has come to be quite as expected as it comes two weeks after the chiefs of the military services told Panetta that such a ban wouldn’t affect the efficiency of the armed forces. It is highly notable that the dismantling of the ban was on the agenda of President Obama in his campaign promise. The announcement is reported to be made today as the decision has not been made public yet. In the light of this matter a San Francisco appeals court added that the government cannot investigate, penalize or discharge anyone for being openly gay.

An extensive study and training was imbibed to check out what would be the response by the troops to such a change, which was triggered by a law passed by Congress and signed by Obama in December.

A survey held last year indicated that some two-thirds of the troops wouldn’t care if the ban were to be lifted nut the opposition was most stiff to it amongst the combat troops, particularly the Marines.

The guidelines demand equal treatment to gays and lesbians just as any other soldier, sailor, airman or Marine.

PENTAGON ENDS MILITARY GAY BAN

REPORT BY BIKRAM SINGH RANA