Comments on: US government formally apologises to fired gay astronomer

By: AndySam

AndySam — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:36:32 +0000

Good to see a Government that has the balls to apologise, but perhaps the apology would be more meaningful if it was accompanied by a cheque for the lost earnings and a career blighted!!

Seems a little out of kilter for this apology to be made while Lt. Dan Choi of the NY National Guard has just been recommended for 'dishonourable discharge' for uttering three small words "I am gay!"

Sometimes saying 'Sorry', while good, is just not quite enough!!

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By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:51:11 +0000

I wonder how long it will take for all the fired military personel to get their apologies. It is a bit lame for one hand to send an apology something that the other hand is still doing!

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By: Brian Burton

Brian Burton — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:38:07 +0000

I'm only greatful Franklin got the letter of apology at all. Having waited 50 years plus, makes me wonder how many fired Gays was there in those days? I was around in 1957, Lord Montague, Micheal Pitt-Rivers and Peter Wildblood were Jailed for Homosexual offences. When I enterd the UK Army, at one point I told my Commanding Officer that I was Gay. I was transfered from my posting In Bengazi (N. Africa) to Sunny Cyprus. Funnily enough, in Cyprus, I met other Gay Soldiers but all a bit subdued. After all, the 'Concenting Adults' Bill was still five years away. In those days, Jail was still used as punishment for just being your self.

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By: Ramón

Ramón — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:16:36 +0000

I can appreciate John Berry's responsibility to send this letter to Franklin Kameny, but, IMO it would have had real impact if it included the name and signature of the President of the United States of America.

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