They were expelled from military service because photographs and notes demonstrating affection for one another were found in one of the menâÂÂs dorm room. Not sexually explicit photos or notes, not even sexually oriented photos or notes. Photos of them holding hands, maybe, or hugging. Notes that undoubtedly said âÂÂI love you.â They were kicked out of the military because, during a routine drug and alcohol inspection, someone found their personal notes and pictures. No one asked, no one told, yet these men were stigmatized and thrown out of government service.

This action on behalf of the government is a moral and civil outrage, undermining this countryâÂÂs goals of equality and unity. Why has the government not remedied this discriminatory, unconstitutional rule? I guarantee that if the notes and photos had been of a heterosexual couple no action would have been taken, even if the images were sexually explicit. Discrimination in any form should not be a part of government policy.

Michelle Grace Smith,

Baldwin