U.S. Troops Given Permission to Wear Uniforms at Gay Pride Parade

For the first time ever, U.S. military personnel were given permission to wear their uniforms at a gay pride parade, WORLD News reports. The Pentagon granted a "one-time" exception to the military dress code, allowing several hundred active duty troops to march in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade in full uniform on July 21.  According to Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, "It's a radical departure from the long-time policy which states that uniformed soldiers cannot provide a platform for a 'political message.' What could be more political than rallying alongside half-naked men, women and drag queens?" One of the service members who marched in the parade, an openly gay Air Force recruiter, said: "It was absolutely thrilling last year to walk down the street. But this year -- to be able to march in uniform -- wow! I'm speechless."