By Here is an article some of you may find of interest:
Same-sex teaching couples are eligible after all for joint job transfers this year at Department of Defense schools, officials said Wednesday.The policy is meant to protect couples from separation during reassignments and was already available to heterosexual married teachers.
An attempt to extend the benefit to gay teachers by the department’s Education Activity and two unions last month was initially rejected by the DOD.
The groups rewrote the policy Feb. 21 and it has since been approved to cover transfers this school year, said Michael Priser, union president of the Federal Education Association.
“The Pentagon had some concerns over the [original] agreement management had proposed,” he said.
A routine labor contract review by the DOD Civilian Personnel Management Service found that the agreement violated the 1993 Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.
The policy no longer allows same-sex couples to present civil union certificates as proof of an exclusive relationship.
The revised policy was approved by the Defense Department on Feb. 25 after it was deemed to comply with the Defense of Marriage Act, according to Air Force Maj. April Cunningham, a Pentagon spokeswoman.
To apply for the benefit, couples must sign an affidavit saying they are in an “exclusive and committed relationship,” according to a copy of the new policy and affidavit form obtained by Stars and Stripes.
Those who are eligible could get higher priority for some jobs when DODEA is deciding how to fill openings in the coming weeks. [Stars & Stripes]
So just because a gay couple is in an “exclusive & committed relationship” means they get higher job priority? So if a heterosexual couple turns in a affidavit claiming that they are in an “exclusive & committed relationship” does that mean they would get priority as well? If gay couples have a legal civil union they should have the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a heterosexual married couple, but coming up with an easy work around to complying with an assisting law is frankly concerning to me. If there is concerns about violating an existing law by giving these teachers certain benefits then the law should be worked to be modified. The legislative and executive branches of the government are both overwhelmingly controlled by Democrats who are allegedly pro-gay rights and yet they cannot update an existing law to address this?
...
9:31 am on March 11th, 2010 1
Those eligible already know how to fill openings.
10:49 am on March 11th, 2010 2
"So if a heterosexual couple turns in a affidavit claiming that they are in an “exclusive & committed relationship” does that mean they would get priority as well?"
Most crap of this sort also lists 'de facto' as a similar state, so… usually yes, I think.
11:29 am on March 11th, 2010 3
Ah, but will they spare the rod or spoil the child?
11:55 am on March 11th, 2010 4
Maybe it's a trap.
The Department of Education is looking to buy 27 sawed-off shotguns.
No sh!t.
Fag huntin' is one of the more reasonable explanations for a purchase such as this.
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=…
10:31 pm on March 11th, 2010 5
Ok GI you need to take a chill pill and reread the article without prejudice. They basically said the policy was modified to allow same-sex couples the same treatment as regular married couples get. They are not getting bonus points for jobs over regular married couples. They are not getting preferential treatment or job priority over different-sex couples. DODES employees who both work for DODES are given bonus points on job transfers when their moving together. Namely one member gets picked up for a job in a region, the DODES will give the second member of the couple a priority for a job in that region. This is to prevent DODES from loosing one employee when another gets a job in a different region. This does not guarantee them a job.
The military does the exact same thing when married couples try to get a join assignment to a base.
7:20 am on March 12th, 2010 6
What's concerting to me is that only a few states now permit same-sex marriages. This means that gay couples in most states would need to relocate and meet local residency requirements in order to obtain a legal marriage license that would entitle them to the same benefits as heterosexual couples, who can marry in any jurisdiction where they reside. When same-sex marriages are legal and recognized everywhere in the US, then such work arounds won't be needed.
10:32 am on March 12th, 2010 7
No special treatment, right? Command staff better get ready for the gay spouses support group luncheons.
"without his boo boo time SGT Frankenfluffering is really irritating SGT Donaskdontelo. No modern professional forcre eoul d ev find thids s minodt distraction
12:56 pm on March 12th, 2010 8
Then work to change the law because like I said it is concerning when a government organization decides to create work arounds in order to not comply with existing laws. I am still wondering if a straight couple who is not married will get this same benefit?
1:04 pm on March 12th, 2010 9
Oh, okay. When I am able to get the legislatures in all 50 states to legalize same-sex marriage, I'll get back to you. In the meantime, I fully understand your ongoing concerns about special privileges for gays. Does this issue keep you awake at night?
1:08 pm on March 12th, 2010 10
"The policy is meant to protect couples from separation during reassignments and was already available to heterosexual married teachers."
Yup, no special treatment, just a change in policy that reflects the fact that same-sex marriages are legal in some states and on the way to become so in others.
PS. You know, I just find it quite ironic that so many Americans aren't willing to give any freedom and rights to fellow Americans.
1:15 pm on March 12th, 2010 11
Pardon me from sidetracking a bit, but all this talk about benefits, tax breaks, etc…Don't you think it's all a ruse to make Americans think they are getting more than their neighbor while everyone is actually getting shafted? What ever happened to passing a law because it's the right thing to do? I mean, look at how Obama screwed the health care bill…Bipartisan BS…Do you think the Republicans ever gave a damn about bipartisanship when they wanted to do something they felt strongly about?
1:21 pm on March 12th, 2010 12
Which begs the question, was Obama just paying lip-service to his electors when he promised health care reforms? I mean, he's the President, the most powerful man on earth. If he wanted universal health care, you'd already have it.
3:57 pm on March 12th, 2010 13
[DELETED BY ADMIN - Please don't use slurs about gays.]
4:33 pm on March 12th, 2010 14
I'm all for the equal treatment, it's the preferential treatment that is wrong.
4:35 pm on March 12th, 2010 15
You know, I just find it quite ironic that so many Americans aren’t willing to give any freedom and rights to fellow Americans.
I can't believe plowing another man in the ass earns one any privileges whatsoever. So be it. I hope the leadership enjoys attending same sex domestic partner luncheons and separating gay cat fights over their office desks. I think it's hilarious.
5:06 pm on March 12th, 2010 16
You know, I just find it quite ironic that so many from other countries are experts on the aspects of the United States rights, freedoms, and political system.
Teadrinker, identify one RIGHT that homosexuals don't enjoy that hetrosexuals do in the American legal system. Consult http://www.constitution.org/billofr_.htm
5:48 pm on March 12th, 2010 17
Boy, there's nothing like a school teacher telling a 6 year old boy that he should kiss another boy. Have you people lost your minds? If you can't see what is wrong with homosexuals promoting their feelings, maybe you are homosexual yourself and I am saddened for your children.
"Jim and Rob sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G
first comes love then comes marriage
then comes Fred in a baby carriage"
6 year old boy: "Teacher, how can two men procreate and have a baby?"
Teacher: "do you want to go to the principal's office?"
"Jim and Rob sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G
first comes love then comes marriage
then comes coprophilia…..?"
Some gay men sexualize human waste, including the medically dangerous practice of coprophilia, which means sexual contact with highly infectious fecal wastes. This practice exposes the participants to all of the risks of anal-oral contact and many of the risks of analgenital contact.
YOU HAVE BEEN BRAINWASHED TO THINK HOMOSEXUALS ARE JUST LIKE HETROSEXUALS. THAT'S WHY SOCIETY HAS LABELED HOMOSEXUALITY A "CONTROVERSIAL" ISSUE". CONTROVERSIAL IN THIS CONTEXT MEANS "DON'T SAY ANYTHING BAD". ALL YOU HOMOSEXUALS KEEP TO YOURSELVES, HETROSEXUALS WHO DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH HOMOSEXUALS NEED TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK. I DON'T CARE IF YOU CALL ME A HOMOPHOBE, THAT IS A WORD DESIGNED BY HOMOSEXUALS TO DEGRADE MUCH LIKE THE TERMS NIGGER AND FAGGOT ARE USED BY REDNECKS AND HETROSEXUALS. DON'T READ A BOOK AND THEN PROMOTE IN SOCIETY WHAT YOU HAVE JUST READ, USE YOUR READING AS A FACET OF YOUR EDUCATION AND DEVELOP MORE. INTERACT WITH HOMOSEXUALS FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND THEN TELL ME YOU WANT YOUR HETROSEXUAL FAMILY WITH 2 PRE-TEEN BOYS AND 2-PRE-TEEN GIRLS TO LIVE IN A GATED COMMUNITY OF 100 HOMOSEXUAL COUPLES.
If You Can Educate Yourself, If You Don't Have The Ability To Educate Yourself, Too Bad.
6:08 pm on March 12th, 2010 18
Here is another one, to provide for your own edification compare what hetrosexual and homosexual teens are learning about themselves.
Here is an article on 5 Anal Sex Myths. This is an article linked from a teen homosexual site. Steep a cup-o-PG Tips and enjoy.
6:30 pm on March 12th, 2010 19
Holy crap! "Homo Hill" & "Drink up bitches" in the Stars and Stripes? So, once again I am confused. Service members are allowed to go to gay bars but they will be punished for buying a hooker? This is going on while I saw two E-6 CP's last night in TDC telling soldiers to straighten their ball caps and writing down names? Are we that f@rked up? unbelievable.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&am…
SEOUL – It’s a Saturday night, and cheers erupt from the all-male crowd as a slender South Korean man wearing a sparkling silver dress and matching headpiece walks through the door of a standing room-only bar.
The din grows louder when the bartender passes out free shots and playfully shouts, “Drink up, bitches!”
Outside, it feels more like a street festival than a bar district, as customers — both South Koreans and foreigners, but mostly young, male and gay — mingle with drinks in hand, flirting and occasionally kissing on the narrow road known locally among gays and straights alike as “Homo Hill.”
Among them are U.S. soldiers, who on recent visits by a reporter to the area made up a noticeable number of the Hill’s clientele despite the threat they face of being discharged from the military for having homosexual relationships.
This cluster of trendy bars, with names like “Queen” and “Always Homme,” is a 10-minute walk from Yongsan Garrison, the U.S. military’s flagship base in South Korea. The Hill is one of the few places gay and lesbian U.S. servicemembers can be somewhat open about their sexuality while stationed in the country.
“This is the perfect place, if you’ve never been [openly] gay before, to come out,” said an Army medic stationed at Yongsan, who, like other gay soldiers in this story, consented to be interviewed only on condition that he not be identified.
“You’re in a foreign country. When you go back to the States, who knows?” he added.
U.S. troops are not banned from visiting gay bars, though the military’s embattled “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy prohibits gay soldiers from openly declaring their sexual orientation. The 17-year-old policy, which President Barack Obama wants to overturn, is under review by the Pentagon this year.
The scene on the Hill is an example of how the military lives uneasily with the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Joint patrols of uniformed American military police and South Korean police, as well as “courtesy patrols” of U.S. officers and enlisted soldiers, regularly walk through the district, but they rarely question anyone there, according to gay servicemembers.
“They walk past and keep their eyes straight ahead,” said a 25-year-old inactive Individual Ready Reserve Army sergeant who recently left South Korea and now lives in the U.S. “It’s kind of like asking,” he said — something forbidden under military’s policy on gay troops.
Yongsan Garrison officials said the patrols can’t enforce U.S. laws or military regulations off-post in South Korea.
“They go out there as a show of force, of soft power,” said garrison spokesman Dan Thompson. If the courtesy patrol observes someone breaking the law, South Korean police have to intervene, he said.
And the soldiers on the patrols don’t look for evidence of homosexuality among servicemembers either.
“It’s a private issue,” Thompson said, adding that officials have never received a reported incident of homosexual activity in the garrison among servicemembers or Defense Department civilians. “This obviously is not a pressing matter requiring garrison attention.”
The Hill, tucked on a side road next to the seedy “Hooker Hill” red-light area, looks like any other street in the tangle of neon-lit alleys in Itaewon, the entertainment district bordering Yongsan, except for the predominantly male crowds at its half-dozen or so bars.
“Itaewon is the capital of gay Korea,” said Hong Suk-chun, an actor who announced he was gay in 2000 and thus became the first well-known South Korean to come out of the closet. He lost his television and movie jobs and was out of work for several years.
“I felt like 95 percent of the South Korean population hated me,” he said.
Ten years later, homosexuality is still largely taboo in South Korea. But Hong said acceptance has increased dramatically, particularly among young South Koreans. Today, he is acting again, and he said he’s more likely to get hostile comments about his sexuality walking down the streets of New York City than in Seoul.
“When they are here in Korea, I think basically they feel very safe,” said Hong, who owns four restaurants in Itaewon.
On several occasions, a reporter observed American soldiers holding hands, hugging and kissing in the gay district, which also draws straight customers. But some troops said they were reluctant to show affection in case their straight co-workers accidentally wandered into a bar and saw them.
Several people interviewed said they were concerned that a Stars and Stripes story about the Hill might encourage U.S. Forces Korea to put the area off limits, or prompt straight soldiers to hang out at the bars in order “out” their gay colleagues.
But the Yongsan Garrison commander, Col. David Hall, said in a written statement that an area would not be placed off-limits solely because it is a gay bar district.
Most soldiers interviewed said that at least some of their co-workers knew they were gay, with their level of openness usually depending on the culture within their office. Often, they said, their commanders didn’t care about their sexuality, particularly if they had gay family members or friends.
“Honestly, they don’t want to know even if you are [gay],” said the Yongsan medic.
6:32 pm on March 12th, 2010 20
Wow! I'm dumbfounded. Most of "Hooker Hill" is off limits but "Homo Hill" is good to go. Well, as they say in the Army (now). DRINK UP BITCHES!
8:50 pm on March 12th, 2010 21
Hmmm…
While homosexuals are incredibly entertaining to make good fun of, I'm a little confused as to why there is so much outright hatred to gays just out having a discrete good time.
What is the big deal with what people do in private?
Sure, those who single-mindedly define themselves as Homosexuals! are irritating… just like all minority/special interest groups who aggressively force awareness of their agenda on others… frequently with the goal of special treatment under the guise of fighting exaggerated, manufactured or self-perpetuating discrimination. But that is a small number of screechy little faggots in a large and quiet population of "normal" and otherwise-average homosexuals that truly do surround us.
Butt sex is the problem? C'mon… every time a GI nailed a Songtan juicy in the turd slicer, they bragged about it to everyone who would listen. And the ones who never managed to do it can't blame it on lack of trying. Some of them, mostly due to alcohol, weren't real hygienic about any follow-up actions either.
Sexual perversion? Ha! I know a LOT of straight guys (especially long-term SE Asia dwellers) who have perversions that make smokin' your buddy's pole seem rather reasonable in comparison. When unlimited teenage pusssy is available for $20, it gets old and unsatisfying after a decade or so. Having a fat old blind woman with one leg take a loose crap on your chest while you whack off wearing a diaper and dive fins may not sound like much fun to you and me… but it is new and different for a guy that Normal no longer satisfies… and, technically, it is "straight" sex.
All of the other worries, such as pedophilia, fail to recognize that there are subdivisions of homosexuals just like there are subdivisions of heterosexuals.
Somehow, I kinda suspect those who are the most hateful toward homosexuals are either overcompensating to avoid suspicion or using anger to cover the self-imposed shame of deep desires which modern Western society has told them are wrong (even though though they have been acceptable in other places and other times).
So, what's with all the hatred toward homosexuals? Like pretty much everyone else, they are welcome to do whatever they want as long as they aren't sticking it in my face (so to speak).
10:50 pm on March 12th, 2010 22
You only have to change the laws in the state in which you live. Get enough people to agree and you can change the law. It's easy unless you are pushing a pet project.
Democracy is such a bother, why do we have to put up with these blockheads! Can't we just make decisons for them, I mean, they are not as intelligent as me…..
Cue go f*** yourself response.
12:01 am on March 13th, 2010 23
Sodom and Gomorrah paid consequences for their behavior. Greece, Rome pushed their boundaries and lost their glory. United States is no different, only a matter of time for social disintegration with this kind of behavior…
1:36 am on March 13th, 2010 24
As always after so many postings we start to forget this is about bun jammin teachers. Homos are not known to be exclusive. They are always looking for new meat. Now be that as it may, does that mean they should get extra rights?
A good point about why not just "committed heterosexuals" get the same treatment.
A good point on the Jimmy and Johnny sittin in a tree, KISSING ING.
Teacher Johnny is Kissing Jimmy on the playground.
Arbitrary law is what is happening. The more rights for homos in any society as always meant the decry of an Empire.
Semper Fi
3:41 am on March 13th, 2010 25
Please double-check the username. It's not Kushibo.
You're right. Gays and lesbians only have to get enough people in their state to support same-sex marriage. Yep. Getting laws passed is SO-O-O-O easy. I think I'll drop by the offices of my senators and representative next time I'm in DC. I'm sure they'll make time for me. Nevermind that my representative is a conservative Republican. Somehow I'll find a way to change his views. Until then, gays and lesbians will just have to put up with the absence of a legal document and the benefits it confers. No special privileges for them!
9:51 am on March 13th, 2010 26
As I said Sonagi, this Democracy thing sucks. Why can't we just change the laws we disagree with without having to actually get the support of the rest of the people? (heavy sarcasm)
"I think I’ll drop by the offices of my senators and representative next time I’m in DC. I’m sure they’ll make time for me. Nevermind that my representative is a conservative Republican." Then I guess this issue isn't as important to you as you stated.
10:01 am on March 13th, 2010 27
This new military policy sucks for some people. Too bad the military isn't a democratically run organization.
12:51 pm on March 13th, 2010 28
[DELETED BY ADMIN - Please don't use slurs against gays.]
12:54 pm on March 13th, 2010 29
No- this issue doesn't keep ME awake at night- what does is the insidious chipping away at the institutions of civilized society, and accepting the unacceptable and bizarre as normal.
It isn't at all about equality or all that, it's about further destabilizing western civilization.
Enjoy the party. It will be over by the time your own kids have kids.
1:00 pm on March 13th, 2010 30
Of course there are hetero pervs… and you wouldn't want your kids around those freaks either.
There is something to say, and it's something GOOD to say, about behavior and customs which fall under what all of us recognize as NORMAL. Bottom line, if you wouldn't want your Mom or your friends seeing you doing something, it's a good place to start as to what you shouldn't be doing. (Hmmm- should I stick my tongue up this guys butt??? Maybe not… but I just can't HELP myself- this is a POLITICAL RIGHT!!!)
3:47 pm on March 13th, 2010 31
"Bottom line, if you wouldn’t want your Mom or your friends seeing you doing something, it’s a good place to start as to what you shouldn’t be doing."
I'd rather my mom didn't watch me one time when I had 5 teenage girls in my room in the Philippines, threw a thousand pesos on the nightstand and said, "Whoever makes me come can have it!"
…but that doesn't mean I shouldn't have done it. In fact, I'd kinda like to be doing it now.
4:50 pm on March 13th, 2010 32
Refer to the REST of my post… Though the thought of that DOES sound fun- just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should!
Filipinas actually pretend to LIKE you unlike Koreans….
4:51 pm on March 13th, 2010 33
uhhh- you send TEENAGE. Not good. Consenting adults and all- just sayin'….
7:45 pm on March 13th, 2010 34
Check the age of consent in your locale. Your mileage may vary.
The age of consent in the Philippines can be understood to be either 12 or 18, depending on the interpretation of the law (I would err on the side of 18 gents if not least the strong possibility of being locked up. I wouldn't want to be a test case in the Philippine "judicial system" either). Either way, there are at least 2 possible teenage years in there.
On the other hand:
The age of consent in South Korea is a whopping 13 for sex.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/…
8:14 pm on March 13th, 2010 35
2Dogs,
There is a difference (in my book at least) between, say, 18 and 13.
I suspect some of the girls who say they are 18 are closer to 16, though.
I have mixed feelings about that.
Society is telling me that is icky.
On the other hand, I remember what I was doing at 16… with 16 year-old girls. They seemed OK with it then. That in mind, I am probably a far more considerate and skilled partner than I was at 16… making a better overall experience for everyone involved on many levels.
Sadly, this is more of a mental exercise as those fond days are behind me and I have progressed into the equally-yet-differently satisfying condition of monogamy.
But there is at least one nice thing about teenage girls. No matter how old I get, they stay the same age.
5:44 am on March 14th, 2010 36
In most states they do not enjoy any of the marital rights / laws to include divorce laws, spouse laws, various tax laws, and property laws. Although some should say the divorce part is a good thing.
I'm a libertarian (not a liberal, get the difference straight), I believe you should have the right to marry any person you choose, provided they desire to marry you back. Child protection laws already cover marrying minors (for those of you thinking of retorting to that). Animal cruelty / bestiality laws cover that part too (for those of you sick enough to attempt that comeback).
Once your married to someone you should get ~ALL~ that goes with that, positive and negative. If some guy wants to be happy with some other guy taking it up the a$$, then who am I to interfere.
5:50 am on March 14th, 2010 37
They hate because they want to hate. It gives their life meaning to hate something. If you must make a stand to give yourself some form of spine, might as well make a stand with the group then for something unpopular.
I see them as no different then the tree huggers, or alarmists. They all want to stand for ~something~ to give their life meaning, and to make themselves feel like they have power in their otherwise powerless lives.
5:54 am on March 14th, 2010 38
Right because the great rice god of the heavens will raid his supremeness down upon us for not following ~HIS~ self righteous laws.
Ohh nooooo's whatever will I do, I better give all my money away to the nearest religious faction that will gladly take it while promising me salvation (they only THEY can do…).
Or we can all wait for the universe to end with the big wipe…
5:59 am on March 14th, 2010 39
Go figure… its 100% ok for us to reminiscence and continue in our debauchery, especially if it involved young (but legal) girls. But if Sam and Paul want to conduct their own debauchery, why its a complete travesty and their tearing our moral world apart.
Kinda like its ok for Ben to sleep with five different girls in a week (hell we call him a hero for that), but Christa is demonized as a complete skank if she sleeps with give guys in a week.
Now insert all the excuse's and other self righteous BS that will commence after this post…
7:04 am on March 14th, 2010 40
The deviant practice you ascribe to homosexuals is also practiced by heterosexuals.
Read the Supreme Court's 2003 Lawrence vs Texas decision. It effectively invalidated anti-sodomy laws which criminalize adult, sexual activities which are presumed to occur in private. Even though there is still a prohibition against sodomy in the UCMJ, it will be interesting to see what happens the next time it is charged in court for a private act.
By the way, the Supreme Court went on to point out that in the past 50 years, the States that still had anti-sodomy laws only seemed to apply them to homosexual activities, even though, by definition, the laws were specified for both homosexual and heterosexual activities.
8:00 am on March 14th, 2010 41
I don't care what Sam and Paul do. I don't care if they get married. I do care if they try to join the military. I do care that DODEA is not following the lead of their parent organization. I really do care that Sam and Paul can do whatever they want but Private Snuffy will be punished for doing similar acts with a woman.
9:23 pm on March 14th, 2010 42
Name the last Private Snuffy who was punished for doing "similar acts" with women? The only times I've ~EVER~ seen charges from sodomy was in conjunction with rape / other sexual assault crime.
As a soldier I broke those rules damn near every night with my GF, no 1SG peeking in my window. Those are similar to the adultery rules, they don't seek to prosecute unless something else is going on.
9:29 pm on March 14th, 2010 43
On the joining the Army topic, when your president of the USA you can make as much anti-gay policy as you desire. For now your just a nameless armchair general on the internet spouting your own self-righteous opinions like someone actually cares.
And this is about a civilian organization not the US Army. They are updating their policy to be neutral and without bias. I am not homosexual, but if those who are desire to live their life, then who am I to stop them. In that matter, who are YOU to stop them? Basic constitutional rights aside, its just the right thing to do in making things equal.
But this is in vain, you will continue drinking your hateoraid, and passing it around to your friends. No one on an internet forum will change that.