Mon 4 Apr 2011 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Derek Morado The US Navy is refusing to discharge a gay sailor, who was reported to senior officials by a colleague who saw pictures of him kissing another man. It's believed to be the first time “don't ask, don't tell” has been waived, and comes ahead of the repeal of the controversial policy comes into effect. CNN reports Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek Morado, 26, was facing military discharge after a comrade reported that he saw photos posted of the gay serviceman on Myspace kissing another man. "I'm relieved it's over and I'm glad I get to continue serving," Morado told CNN. "I've had plenty of time for the news to digest, but I'm still so relieved. I just want to continue doing what I have been doing [in the military]." Gay rights group Get Equal says it's the first military hearing which has resulted in a retention where the discharge is not continued. President Obama signed the "don't ask" repeal into law just before Christmas. But administration officials have said the actual policy change won't take effect until most training is completed throughout the military.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 4th April 2011 - 11:16am