Military to Review Sodomy Ban

The Pentagon's chief legal counsel said a nine-month study on gays in the military will likely review rules for troops on sodomy and oral sex.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits sodomy and oral sex, even among consenting adults and married couples.

Pentagon General Counsel Jeh Johnson, who is helping to lead a study on the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, said he planned to review all related aspects of the military legal code.

When asked by Arkansas Democratic Rep. Vic Snyder whether that review will extend to the rules on sodomy and oral sex, Johnson said yes.

Johnson and Army Gen. Carter Ham testified for the first time on Wednesday since being tapped to lead the nine-month study.

They have promised to conduct a thorough and objective assessment on the policy that focuses on ensuring troops don't lose their edge in battle.

Ham told a House panel that military readiness and effectiveness are the top priority, adding that is what the nation expects of the military.

Some in the GOP have also criticized the study, saying it is likely to be biased because Pentagon officials have already signaled the ban on openly gay service members will end.

Sen. Mark Udall, Colorado's senior senator, joined other Democrats in calling for an immediate end to the policy Wednesday.

Udall co-sponsored a bill to repeal the 1993 law immediately similar to legislation being considered in the House.