Debate over gay soldiers erupts in Brazil - By The Canadian Press – on - 265gay.com

(Brasilia, Brazil) A Brazilian general’s comment that gay soldiers should not be allowed to command troops sparked fierce criticism Thursday from gay rights groups and a national lawyers’ organization that champions human rights. Photos

The uproar comes at the same time the United States is debating whether to repeal a ban on gays serving openly in the military.

Gen. Raymundo Nonato told a Senate commission considering his appointment to head Brazil’s top military court Wednesday that while gay soldiers won’t be ousted if they don’t reveal their homosexuality, a gay soldier in a command position “will not be obeyed by his subordinates in combat situations.”

The Senate commission, which had asked Nonato for his views on gays, unanimously approved his appointment.

Sen. Eduardo Suplicy of the ruling Workers’ Party voted in favour of Nonato, but said Thursday that he would ask the full Senate to suspend a confirmation vote until the general can be called back for more questioning. Read complete article - By The Canadian Press – on - 265gay.com