Homosexual personnel policy in the Canadian Forces: did lifting the gay ban undermine military performance?

ID:	HARP-366
Title:	Homosexual personnel policy in the Canadian Forces: did lifting the gay ban undermine military performance?
Source:	International Journal , v.56(1) Wint’00/01 pg 73-88
Parties:
Dispute Resolution Organ:
Year:	2001
Pages:	0
Author(s):
Keywords:	Canada, human rights, military service, non-discrimination, homosexual marriage/homosexual relationship, civil and political rights, security, armed force, gay/lesbian rights, liberty
Abstract:	AS THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES THAT PERMIT GAY and lesbian soldiers to serve in the armed forces grows, it is increasingly important to determine whether official decisions to include homosexual service members in the military lead to changes in organizational performance. The Canadian experience affords an opportunity to assess the impact of the policy change against early forecasts by senior military leaders. After discussing the historical evolution of homosexual personnel policy in Canada, we examine whether Canada’s decision to abolish restrictions on gay and lesbian soldiers influences military effectiveness. Our findings, based on a review of primary and secondary sources, as well as interviews with 29 military personnel and experts from the academic, non-governmental, and policy communities, is that Canada’s decision to lift its gay ban had no impact on military performance, readiness, cohesion, or morale.
Secured:	False
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