Why is this not a major issue?

Maybe it's a private matter, in the general sense, and doesn't deserve corporal punishment?

I agree, I have no issues with service members standing up for political things, but do it on your own.  

When you bring in the uniform you are representing the US Military and that is wrong.

Back in my day '85-92, we couldn't wear our uniforms to anything political:  Republican convention (I don't think they allowed Democrats in the Marine Corps), NRA Convention, or a Green Peace rally.  I find it currious...

An alternative viewpoint (from a retired military guy).

Is "gay pride" necessarily a political movement?  Couldn't a gay pride parade be seen as analogous to a holiday parade, or a Strawberry Festival event or something like that?  Or even an "American Pride" parade (like on 4th of July)?  We don't have problems with military in uniform marching in those.

Clearly, some issues like gay marriage are currently political.  But I'm not sure that just being gay and proud of it is.

I majorly disagree.  There may be a kernel of truth in that statement,  but it would take a specialist to really sort out the details.

If only colonel was spelled that way.

My initial thought about this thread was that I thought the issue with breastfeeding in uniform had to do with the uniform being to some degree undone, and that these were totally different issues. Which, to some degree, still is true. But your point, which I highlighted, makes a lot more sense to me, and thus, to my own surprise, I support the idea that an individual can make a statement, but when in uniform, should not be allowed by the military code, to do so. It is the only way the military can truly remain apart from political issues and ultimately be more representative of the people it defends.

One question - is there a position in the military on attending a local church service in uniform? Not on the base, but in the community?

Apples and oranges... it just is. It is a political statement. Strawberries are not political.

It is made perfectly clear that the day you put on the uniform you no longer have the same rights as the citizens you defend. Speaking freely is punishable by court martial. You can not do, or say anything, as a military member, that puts the military in a bad light, or brings controversy to the military. The entire Military Code of Justice goes on to spell out the specific things that will do that.... the general article is the catch all.... if you do ANYTHING that makes us look bad, you are in big trouble. Out of uniform it is OK to do certain things... unless you are trying to use your standing as a military member to the same thing.

This really is so wrong on so many levels. Has nothing to do what anyone thinks of the issue. I have no problem with gay pride, religious pride, atheist pride, caucasian pride... oh sorry I'm supposed to be ashamed about that... hispanic pride... in uniform it is a non issue. Period.

So would it be a no-no for someone to wear their uniform to/participate in a St. Patrick's Day/Cinco de Mayo/Thanksgiving/Christmas parade? Is part of it whether the military branch they belong to is officially participating, like Marines having a Toys for Tots float in a parade or some such vs someone declaring their individual support for a various cause/belief?

If members of the military were disciplined for wearing their uniforms at a Promise Keepers which is more of a religious organization than a political one, is it ok for someone to wear their uniform to a wedding or baptism?

I think where you are going is if the military is supporting the event... has a float, shows up to "represent" the U.S. Armed forces, or if and individual shows up to voice/show their individual opinion/support.

If an individual was in a St. Patricks day parade with his fellow "Best Darn guys in America" group on their float in uniforn.... that's a no no.

Look at the Color Guards at most sporting events... each Branch of the Armed Forces is represented and they are at a NFL game... does the Armed Forces support the NFL... no, it's the National Athem and presenting the flag and no "statements" are being made. They are performing a duty/service.

An individual showing support in uniform, or voicing comdemnation of the same, is making an individual statement the military does not support or have an opinion of.... officialy.

Where did I say or imply that a political rally on the mall was the same as a wedding? I was asking if wearing a uniform to a religious activity like Promise Keepers was not allowed, was it also prohibited to wear a uniform to another religious event (though some weddings are civil ceremonies, I said "wedding/baptism" hoping to make it clear). I'm also not implying that I think it is wrong if the military prohibited it, just curious how line is drawn.

I've never been to a gay pride parade, but my understanding is that they are more about declaring a sense of pride and fellowship about a paticular subset of our society, hence my reference to the various ethnic and religious holiday parades as a comparison. I'm sure there may be some political issues important to the gay community highlighted by some participants, but I also see candidates running for office and various other politically related causes participating in parades all the time.

I guess I don't see as big of a difference between someone declaring they are gay in uniform at a gay pride parade vs declaring they are of Irish/Mexican/etc decent at an ethnic parade or declaring they are Catholic by wearing their uniform at their god son's baptism. If the distinction is that they shouldn't be declaring anything about their individuality while in uniform and they are all prohibited, that makes sense. Again, not saying any policy is wrong, just curious.

On your last question - no, I don't think it would any less appropriate for the DoD to sponsor a float in a gay pride parade than I would for just about any other ethnic/religious themed parade. Since you have stated you think it would be odd to do so, why is that?

I've never been to a gay pride parade, but my understanding is that they are more about declaring a sense of pride and fellowship about a paticular subset of our society, hence my reference to the various ethnic and religious holiday parades as a comparison. I'm sure there may be some political issues important to the gay community highlighted by some participants, but I also see candidates running for office and various other politically related causes participating in parades all the time.

I guess I don't see as big of a difference between someone declaring they are gay in uniform at a gay pride parade vs declaring they are of Irish/Mexican/etc decent at an ethnic parade or declaring they are Catholic by wearing their uniform at their god son's baptism. If the distinction is that they shouldn't be declaring anything about their individuality while in uniform and they are all prohibited, that makes sense.

Freedom of expression is for all of us no matter what job we have. If a soldier in uniform expresses a political point of view, it in no way means that "The Military" itself shares (or doesnt share) that view.