LETTER TO THE HONORABLE CASPER W. WEINBERGER FROM MEL BOOZER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP96M01138R000400010027-6
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 21, 2006
• Sequence Number: 27
• Publication Date: September 21, 1982
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved, Release 2007/02/08: CIA-RDP96MS38R000400010027-6
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
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On file OSD release instructions apply.
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National Gay Task Force e0 FMth Avenue ? New York. New York 10011 ? (212) 741-5e00
Board Officers
Bill Beauchamp
Jose Gomez
Barbara Love
Barbara Weir~stodc
Executive Director
Lucia Valeska
Director of Civil Rights Advocacy
Mel Boozer
Washington office:
P.O. Box 8825 - Washington, D.C. 20003 - [phone]
September 21, 1982
'The Honorable Caspar W. Weinberger
Secretary of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301
My Dear Mr. Secretary:
In a recent decision, the Department of Energy revised Its policies with
respect to access to classified material or significant quantities of special
nuclear materials, especially as they affect the eligibility of gay citizens
for positions requiring security clearances. Under the new policy, homosexuality
can only become an issue if there is reason to believe that that Individual
is likely to compromise national security Interests as established by a fair hearing.
This policy is rational, situationally,appropriate, solidly supported by
the historical evidence, and consequently, a significant improvement over the
previous policy.
Actually, as you know, this policy only codifies the experience of recent
years. With the exception of only a few agencies throughout the government,
It has become almost routine for gay men or lesbians seeking positions requiring
security clearances to receive them. In almost all cases where their fitness
has been challenged on security grounds, they have successfully defended their
.ability to perform competently, loyally, and with complete integrity.
In view of the recent change irl policy by the Department of Energy, in
keeping with the solid evidence of years of experience, we would urge you to
review the policies of your agency with respect to the following issues.
(1) Can homosexuality or homosexual behavior be held to be a reason, per se,
to deny security clearance to a lesbian or gay man who is otherwise
qualified?
(2) Under what circumstances, If any, can homosexuality or homosexual
behavior be construed to create a security risk?
On file OSD release instructions apply. 19888
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(3) What procedures will be followed if homosexuality is suspected to be
a possible security risk, in order to make a final determination with
regard to an individual's fitness to have access to confidential
government materials?
The promulgation of a rational and situationally appropriate policy similar
to that of the Department of Energy would go a long way.toward dispelling unwarranted
preoccupation about job security among gay citizens as well as unwarranted
preoccupation about national security by government officials.
Please advise me.
Sincerely,
Mel' Boozer
Director of Civil Rights Advocacy
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