‘Sexual Misconduct’ Puts Defence Jobs On Line (Press, 23 June 1987)
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Summary: ‘Sexual Misconduct’ Puts Defence Jobs On Line (Press, 23 June 1987)
On 23 June 1987, it was reported that the American Defence Department has informed approximately three million workers that they may lose their security clearances and potentially their jobs due to new regulations concerning "sexual misconduct." These regulations detail specific behaviours deemed unacceptable, which include homosexuality, adultery, wife swapping, group sex orgies, and sexual acts with animals. According to a Pentagon spokesman, the aim of these regulations is to ensure that personnel and private contractors who have access to sensitive information are not at risk of being blackmailed. The revised regulations articulate what constitutes sexual misconduct in a more specific manner than prior guidelines. Under the new rules, individuals could be barred from receiving security clearances for actions involving animals, self-mutilation, self-punishment or degradation, spouse swapping, and group sexual activities. Additionally, recent and frequent adultery that negatively impacts workplace order or discipline is also forbidden. The definitions included in these regulations also cover what they describe as "deviant or perverted sexual behaviour," suggesting that practices which indicate potential mental or personality disorders, such as transsexualism, transvestism, exhibitionism, voyeurism, bestiality, or sodomy, are grounds for disqualification. The new regulations have raised concerns among some members of Congress and homosexual rights organisations. Representatives Don Edwards and Patricia Schroeder have expressed their apprehension through a letter addressed to Defence Secretary Caspar Weinberger, questioning the vagueness and broad nature of the new rules and suggesting that they could lead to unfair treatment of homosexual individuals. Homosexual rights groups, including the California-based High Tech Gays, have strongly protested the regulations, arguing that they could facilitate discrimination against homosexuals within the military and civilian defence sectors. However, Pentagon officials have clarified that being homosexual would not automatically disqualify someone from obtaining a security clearance.
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