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Project Description:
Service Members Released for Reasons of Homosexuality
The Canadian Parliament decriminalized homosexual behaviour and same-sex relations between consenting adults in 1968. The parallel discriminatory military policy, however, remained in effect until 1992. This policy, the Canadian Forces Administrative Order (CFAO)19-20, declared homosexuality a sexual abnormality and grounds for discharging soldiers (Park, 1994). The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) interrogated, investigated, and recommended the release of many military members for homosexuality over the years. Indeed, the period from about 1980 to 1983 is vividly etched in the minds of some Canadian Forces servicewomen: They refer to this particular era as the “witch hunts,” a period when the military more aggressively and ruthlessly investigated women for homosexuality (Gouliquer, 1998). Despite the military’s attempts to eliminate homosexuality from its ranks, lesbians and gay men continue to serve in this institution today.
As a direct result of the law suits filed by Michelle Douglas and four other soldiers against the Canadian Armed Forces, the Federal Court of Canada declared that military policy concerning homosexuality was contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Park, 1994). Consequently, the Canadian Forces officially announced that joining or serving in the military would no longer be restricted on the basis of sexual orientation (News Release/Communiqué, 1992). Although these changes have been made, little is known about the impact of these former policies on the lives of the gay male and lesbian soldiers and their partners. We are specifically interested in the stories of those CF members released for reasons of homosexuality and their partners at the time. Little is known about the experiences of this group of individuals.
What is the purpose of our study, and why is it important?
- To make visible the untold stories of lesbian and gay male Canadian military members released for reasons of homosexuality and their partners.
- To uncover the short-term & long-term effects of sanctioned discrimination, particularly in terms of mental, physical, and social health.
- To document a fascinating piece of Canadian military history.
- To make policy recommendations based on the findings.
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