I have read various letters to the editor from opinionated people, much like myself, several quoting Scripture and preaching their religion. I regard them all to be unfounded. One thing’s for certain: Our military was not founded on religion.

Our military was established to protect and defend this great nation. Yet, we do not [prohibit] anyone from being in the military [based on] their religious preference because it simply has no bearing.

It is shameful that in 2010 our military does not believe in equality for all. Black men were once not allowed to serve in the military and women were formerly denied this same right as well. However, those laws have changed as our society has changed and human rights have steadily increased. The imposing of the 1993 “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was a mistake. Allowing gays to serve in the military, but forcing them to lie about whom they actually are, is unethical, immoral and is an absolute disgrace to the Army core values.

We fight for equality, therefore we should practice equality. We, as soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines alike, are already serving with homosexual men and women. We work with them on a daily basis. If they are competent in their job, meet or exceed the standard and, most importantly, want to serve in the military, it would be self-indulgent to deny them the same rights any heterosexual has.

Sgt. Matthew VoyceMosul, Iraq