Israeli army accepts gays -- in theory By Louis J. Salome Atlanta Journal-Constitution Jerusalem -- The Israeli military has a well-burnished reputation as one of the most tested and successful armies in the world. Also as the most socially liberal. But if the ban on homosexuals in the U.S. military is removed, the Israeli experience could indicate to gay and lesbian servicemen and women that there might be a reason to stay in the closet. Homosexual soldiers and Israel's only gay rights organization say homosexuals routinely are discriminated against in promotions and usually are banned from serving in sensitive positions if their sexual orientation is discovered. Despite the absence of a ban on homosexuality, Israeli service personnel ``are screened scrupulously'' on their sexual orientation before promotions are given, said Liora Moriel, the leader of Israel's only gay rights organization. ``Usually they don't get promoted'' if they come out of the closet or if their lifestyle is revealed, she said. Some homosexuals keep quiet and do get promoted to high levels, Ms. Moriel said. Her organization advises them to ``get a few promotions under their belt'' before they go public, she said. The Israeli military denies discriminating against homosexuals but acknowledges that they are subjected to psychological testing. Israel's constant state of war with its Arab neighbors and its citizen-soldier strategy have made it historically reluctant to turn aside able-bodied people -- often flouting conventions in the process. Military service is obligatory for most Israelis, including unmarried women, who were drafted as early as 1949 despite the sometimes violent protests of religious conservatives. Men now serve three years in the regular army, typically from ages 18 to 21, and until age 51 in the reserves. Women serve two years in the regular army, and their reserve duty usually ends in their mid-20s. At the end of 1991, Israel had 176,000 soldiers serving full time and 430,000 in the reserves. The army has no idea how many of its soldiers are homosexual, but it operates on the notion that Israel has the same percentage as other non-Middle Eastern societies. Despite Israel's prevailing religious conservatism, which generally promotes the Old Testament teaching that homosexuality is an abomination, the the military has helped open the door slightly more to acceptance of homosexuals. But society also has limited their acceptance in the military. ``The Israeli military reflects Israeli society, and in Israeli society, no one usually stands up and says he's gay,'' said Lt. Col. Moshe Fogel, an army spokesman. Colonel Fogel said there is no discrimination when Israelis enter the military. Homosexual soldiers agree. But they also agree that if a soldier is discovered to be homosexual or goes public on the matter, he or she will not be booted out of the service. That's where the agreement ends. Homosexual soldiers scoff at the military's refusal to acknowledge that gays and lesbians aren't promoted if their sexual orientation is discovered or they go public. Colonel Fogel acknowledged that suspected homosexuals are sent to an army psychologist for testing. The purpose, he said, is to look for any personality or character weaknesses; homosexual soldiers interviewed said they were told the test is conducted to see if they are security risks. Colonel Fogel said homosexuality is not treated as an illness in the exams. If a soldier meets tests of ability, personality and character, he or she can continue to serve without limitations, he insisted. Homosexuals who acknowledge their sexual orientation and aren't concerned about the personal or professional implications can request transfers to non-combat or less stressful reserve units. The requests usually are granted. ``There have been senior officers who have been declared gay,'' Colonel Fogel said, and he cited a full colonel who rose in the ranks after his homosexuality was revealed. But the colonel's homosexuality was known only to a small circle, Colonel Fogel said, and he could not cite an example of a gay or lesbian soldier with a higher rank. Homosexual soldiers say the psychological testing results in a flagged personnel file that puts a lid on their military careers. They say this forces them to stay in the closet, at least until they have served long and well enough to reach a higher rank. Some say the military will protect homosexuals in higher ranks -- as in the case of the full colonel -- if their sexual orientation is kept within a small circle but not if they go public. Amit Kama, 32, of e |Zjcid knows several homosexuals who remain in highly sensitive intelligence units only because their sexuality is a closely guarded secret. ``If you come out,'' said Mr. Kama, a reserve corporal in the civil defense authority, ``sensitive positions will not be available and you'll have problems with promotions. You'll get nowhere.'' Active in promoting gay and lesbian rights, Mr. Kama said a soldier who admits to being homosexual or is suspected of it usually is referred to a psychologist. In interviews for this article, homosexual soldiers spoke of difficulty in dealing with soldiers to whom they are attracted, of difficulty in dealing with horseplay in the showers and of cruel jokes about homosexuals that often circulate in the ranks. Gays and lesbians said they frequently had secret lovers in camps where they were based. Women said they keep their lesbianism secret because they fear harassment by male soldiers. -- -Ric __ __ __ \/ ric@gnu.ai.mit.edu \/ Graffiti BBS 404 972-4999 \/ GEnie: GRAFFITI PO Box 3176, Lithonia GA 30058