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‘Subtle changes can have drastic consequences for gay Americans looking to serve their country with honor and courage,’ said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - It was revealed this week that a December 2005 revision of the “Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information” could open the door for sexual orientation to be used as a determining factor in national security clearances.

In 1997, during the Clinton administration, revisions to the guidelines were made to read that sexual orientation “may not be used” as a disqualifying factor for a national security clearance. However, revisions circulated by National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley show that in December 2005 those guidelines were changed to read that an applicant cannot be disqualified “solely on the basis of the sexual orientation of the individual.” A subtle, yet potentially substantial change for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.

“Subtle changes can have drastic consequences for gay Americans looking to serve their country with honor and courage,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This administration continues to roll back the clock on the most basic of protections that were granted by the last administration, continuing to call into question this administration’s commitment to fairness and equality. We think it is vital for National Security Adviser Hadley to quickly and publicly come out and address why these changes were made.”

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.