Gov't quietly changes rules on sexual orientation and security clearances

[PageOneQ]

Government quietly changes rules on sexual orientation and security clearances
http://pageoneq.com/news/2006/rules_031306.html

Newly revised guidelines issued by President Bush's National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley (right) once again allow consideration of sexual orientation when issuing security clearances. This information was first reported today by the news site Raw Story (Full Story: U.S. quietly tightens access to classified information). The language change between the 1997 version and the 2005 guidelines is seemingly minor:

1997: Rules stated that sexual orientation “may not be used” as a basis for disqualifying applicants.

2005: The revision states that clearances cannot be denied "solely on the basis of the sexual orientation of the individual."Text

Full Story:
http://pageoneq.com/news/2006/rules_031306.html

[Mythsaje]

1. The ONLY possible reason sexual orientation

could be a security threat (same with drug use, for that matter) is, if hidden, it could become a blackmail possibility. Changing the rules like this is actually DETRIMENTAL to security, since it gives potential blackmailers a weapon to use against government employees who don't particularly want to be outed.

More stupidity from the Bush administration.

[RumpusCat]

5. A friend of mine had to come out to his parents before he could get it

Like, it was an actual part of the security clearance process. It makes sense--a closeted homo is a prime blackmail target. So why would they change the rules to make gays and lesbians MORE likely to stay in the closet?? It doesn't make any damn sense.

My girlfriend e-mailed me this article this morning and I was going to post it but you beat me to it. She's going to be up for another security clearence upgrade soon and this is worrisome news for her...

[TaleWgnDg]

6. No, it's not "stupid() from the Bush administration" . . .

.

No, it's not "stupid() from the Bush administration" . . . instead, it's a clever but devious way that the Bush Administration can fire homosexuals employed in federal agencies!! THINK! This policy falls into the no same-sex marriage, no gay parents adoptions/foster care, etc.

.

[zbdent]

2. So now they're making it official?

I thought it was official when they fired all those fluent Arabic translators . . .

[readmoreoften]

3. I'm going to post this in GD/nt

[theHandpuppet]

4. Have you done it yet?

These really should be posted to GD.