Navy panel allows openly gay sailor to continue to serve

 

Gay rights advocates claimed victory Saturday, reports CNN, after an administrative panel in California this week recommended not to discharge an openly homosexual sailor.

Although "don't ask, don't tell" is not repealed, the panel's vote is believed to be the first case in which the military chose not to enforce the controversial policy, according to a gay rights organization.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek Morado, 26, was facing military discharge after a comrade reported that he saw photos posted of the gay serviceman on Myspace kissing another man.

"I'm relieved it's over and I'm glad I get to continue serving," Morado told CNN on Saturday. "I've had plenty of time for the news to digest, but I'm still so relieved. I just want to continue doing what I have been doing [in the military]."

"This is the first hearing that's resulted in a retention where the discharge is not continued," said Robin McGehee, director of Get Equal, a gay rights group that publicized Morado's case.

Navy panel allows openly gay sailor to continue to serve - CNN.com