C M S The Campaign for Military Service 2027 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 Voice: 202-265-6666 Fax:202- 265-7393 Email: lift-the-ban@access.digex.com ----------------------------------------- LIFT THE BAN / LIFT THE PHONE The Congressional hearings start on March 29th. Now, more then ever your calls are URGENTLY needed. You can right the balance. Call your Congressperson and Senator NOW! US Congress Hotline: 202-224-3121 ----------------------------------------- The enclosed paper, "If You're Thinking About Coming Out Or Getting Out", is must reading for gay, lesbian and bisexual servicemembers and their civilian friends. It sets forth impor- tant information about the President's temporary policy and its consequences for gay servicemembers, as well as their legal rights. Servicemembers should read this information before deciding to come out to their chain-of-command. Servicemembers remain at great risk under the temporary policy. The policy does not protect those who acknowledge gay conduct and provides only limited protection to those who say they are gay. Any admission of gay conduct, (e.g., kissing, touching, sex) may still result in criminal punishment, including a felony conviction and imprisonment. Servicemembers who say they are gay, but who do not acknowledge conduct, continue to be processed through the discharge system, but may ultimately have that discharge suspended and be placed in the inactive reserve pending a final executive order. While recruiters may no longer ask recruits about their sexual orientation, military investigators and commanders are still permitted to question those already in service. If contacted by gay military personnel, civilian friends should immediately refer them to an advocate experienced with the complexities of military law (see attached list). Civilian friends should also inform servicemembers of these basic "Dos and Don'ts": * DOs: * DO exercise your right to speak with a civilian advocate if charged with an offense, accused of being gay, or considering coming out (see attached list). * DO contact the nearest Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Veterans of America chapter for advice and support (see attached list). * DO obey all regulations on appearance (e.g., haircuts, uniform wear) and duties. * DON'Ts: * DO NOT sign or initial any paperwork, (e.g., discharge papers, investigations) regarding homosexuality without consulting a civilian advocate familiar with military law. * DO NOT answer any questions from any military personnel, including the chain-of-command, about sexual orientation or sexual activities, without consulting an advocate. Servicemembers have the right to remain silent under Article 31 of the UCMJ. * DO NOT come out to a military chaplain or doctor. They are not required to maintain confidentiality. * DO NOT name others who might be gay under any circumstances. This will never, no matter what they say, help you. * DO NOT seek sexual contact of any kind, (e.g., kissing, holding hands) while on-duty, in uniform, on military or govern- ment property, or serving in a combat zone. By following these guidelines, military personnel will retain the flexibility they need to make informed decisions appropriate to their individual circumstances, as well as reduce the danger of criminal prosecution or other punishment not precluded by the temporary policy.