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ghts under civil law. The reason for the removal of the ban against homosexuals/ bisexuals serving in the military was because equality is believed to be one of Canadians basic values (General Accounting Office, 1993). Aaron Belkin and Jason McNichol conducted a study on the effects of Canada lifting the ban and allowing LGBT to serve openly. In this study, it was found that there have not been any problems within unit cohesion, discipline or military performance. Before the ban was lifted, a large percent of Canadian male soldiers had previously stated that having LGBT serve would create issues. Some of the issue that was brought up was that they would not share sleeping quarters or shower with homosexuals/bisexuals. The study found that none of those issues were raised post ban removal (Palm Center, 2000).

By removing the ban the Canadians allow for equal access to join the military. This also allows for homosexuals/ bisexuals to serve, openly, if the choose to do so. There are no repercussions for openly serving. Homosexuals/ bisexuals are afforded the same opportunities for promotions and assignments as their heterosexual counterparts. Promotions and assignments are based upon the merits of an individual, not on sexual orientation (General Accounting Office, 1993).

Another country that has recently lifted their ban on LGBT openly serving in the military is Britain. The European Courts of Human rights ruled, in 1999, that not allowing homosexuals to serve in the military was illegal (Palm Center, 2007). As with Canadian soldiers, British soldiers were also concerned about the living arrangements, but a report done at the Palm Center showed no impact of this issue. There was also the issue of what to do with all the military service members that had been discharged for being homosexual or bisexual. The British Ministry of Defense took care of this issue by contacting the service members who had been discharged being LGBT, to see if they wanted to come back and serve (Palm Center, 2000). The major benefit to allowing LGBT to serve openly, they do not have to lie or hide their sexuality. Nobody should have to hide or lie about who they are.

Since 1948, Israeli homosexuals/ bisexuals have been able to serve in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Serving in the military in Israel is required for those over the age of eighteen, with few exceptions, and is, considered by most, an extremely important part of their heritage. A 1983 regulation had placed restrictions on homosexuals/ bisexuals, the restrictions were lifted in 1993 stating that there were to be no restrictions on homosexual bisexual soldiers. Judaism is a major religious practice in Israel. Homosexuality is condemned by Jewish belief and law; but because of western influences, homosexuality is accepted more in Israel than it is in the United States (General Accounting Office, 1993).

As in Canada, if a homosexual/ bisexual choose to reveal their sexual orientation, the service member shall not face repercussions. Homosexual/ bisexual receive promotions by the merit of the individual. Israeli soldiers do not have to lie about or hide their sexual orientation in order to be of service to their country (General Accounting Office, 1993).

Suggestions for Future Policy Strategies
In order for the United States to remain unbiased there must be some changes to this policy. The first change that is proposed is that th