Former Navy Chaplain Gordon
Klingenschmitt believes repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” has led
to the sexual harassment of Christian troops.
Klingenschmitt made national headlines
when he challenged the military's rule on inclusive prayers during
events which include a multi-faith audience such as ship
commissionings and change-of-command ceremonies. A born-again
Christian, Klingenschmitt demanded the right to pray “in the name
of Jesus” in public settings. He was honorably discharged for
insubordination.
“[M]ilitary Christians face
persecution since the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' which
already causes anti-Christian discrimination,” Klingenschmitt
wrote in an email to supporters.
“Christian troops endure open
homosexual harassment. … Sexual harassment is banned in the
military, unless you're a homosexual abusing a Christian, then it's
openly encouraged.”
Klingenschmitt cites a Washington
Times article by Ron Crews, an opponent of gay rights, as proof.
“At an officer training service
school, a male serviceman sexually harassed another male serviceman
through text messages, emails, phone calls and in-person
confrontations,” Crews
wrote. “The harassing male insisted the two would 'make a
great couple.' The harassed serviceman reported the harassment, but
the command failed to take disciplinary action.”
Crews added that the Navy “has
allowed sailors openly engaged in homosexual behavior to choose their
bunkmates.”
“Christians who refuse such open
homosexual advances,” Klingenschmitt wrote, “are labeled as
discriminators. Can you say double-standard? Just imagine the
horror of being 'chosen' as a bunkmate, and then being forced to
endure ogling or groping without complaining.”