Row Over Military Gay Policy
The military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy is in the crossfire Monday after President Clinton called for the policy to be re-examined.
In a radio interview Saturday with CBS News, the president said his policy had not been implemented as it was intended.
"It's out of whack now, and I don't think any serious person can say it's not," Mr. Clinton said.
GOP presidential hopeful John McCain questioned the timing of Mr. Clinton's comments, which came a week after his wife sharply criticized the policy.
Meanwhile, the president's national security adviser and the Pentagon said steps are already under way to bring the policy closer to its original intent %u2014 to allow gay soldiers to remain on duty without being persecuted.
Under the policy, the military is not supposed to ask service members about their sexual orientation, unless there is evidence of homosexual conduct. Still, soldiers who say they are gay may be discharged.
After a five month investigation, the army recommended that Arizona State Representative and reservist Steve May be discharged for discussing his sexual orientation.
May told CBS Early Show Anchor Bryant Gumbel he was not in the Army at the time he commented on his homosexuality.
According to "the investigator's findings, I'm mentally fit, I have an outstanding record of service and am an unlimited asset to the country," May said. "But despite this, they recommend I be fired from my job because I happen to be gay."
May's attorney Chris Wolf said he will argue that the discharge was illegal under federal and state laws.
"The Army appears to be engaged in a search and destroy mission against one of their own," Wolf said. "He has received high reviews and they seem to be reaching out to find an excuse to expel him."
May said if he is allowed to remain in the Army, he would not pledge not to engage in any homosexual activity.
"I'm in a long-term relationship. I'm proud of my family and of the service I give and I'm proud of the service I give to my unit within the Army," May said. "I think this is wrong and immoral on its face."