Pentagon Accused of Editing Out Wikipedia Reference to Solider’s Sexual Orientation

There is a controversy brewing over at Wikipedia. Someone at the office of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence appears to have edited out an article about Major Alan Rogers, who died serving this country in Iraq. The Pentagon editor apparently objected to the recognition of the fact that Rogers was not only a hero, but gay.

The story raises some disturbing questions about how far “don’t ask, don’t tell” goes — apparently all the way to the grave.

The anonymous editor clearly objected to any reference to Rogers’ sexual orientation. He noted in a posting:

“Alan’s life was not about his sexual orientation but rather about the body of work he performed ministering to others and helping the defense of the country,” the poster wrote. “Quit trying to press an agenda that Alan wouldn’t have wanted made public just to suit your own ends.”

The Washington Blade reported:

The IP address attached to the deletion of the details and the posted comments is 141.116.168.135. The address belongs to a computer from the office of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2) at the Pentagon. The office is headed by Lt. Gen. John Kimmons, who was present at Rogers’ funeral and presented the flag from Rogers’ coffin to his cousin, Cathy Long.

Rogers was 40 when he died on January 27, 2008 when an improvised explosive device hit his Humvee. The Army posthumously awarded him a Purple Heart and a second Bronze Star. He is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Notably, the Washington Post faced a similar controversy. An article written about Rogers originally noted his sexual orientation but was removed by Executive Editor Len Downie. For an article on the Post decision, click here.

For the full article, click here.