TALLINN, ESTONIA (GLXY) — The Estonian Army does not discriminate against LGBT joining. In fact, Estonia ranks 25th out of 103 countries on a study done by the Hague Center for Strategic Studies. This index they created placed Estonia higher than the United States(40th) according to the factors they viewed: inclusion, admission, tolerance and persecution. The Estonian Defense Force Spokesperson told Eesti Ekspress that the military has no need or right to ask for the sexual orientation of conscripts, professional soldiers and other staff. LGBT who decide to join the military can be openly gay without fear of rejection from service.
Estonia’s legislation states that sexual orientation will not hinder an individual's rights. These equal rights pertain to the army as well, stating that all men must serve and all women have a choice to. In Estonia's history, a ban on sexual minorities has not existed when it comes to serving the country. There is also no rule such as the one that existed in the United States years ago known as “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. To clarify that policy in the US was repealed in 2011 meaning LGBT in the army are now allowed to be open about their sexuality.
Estonia may have ranked very high according to HCSS, as well as Lithuania and Latvia also scored well. Latvia ranked 43rd and Lithuania closely followed at 46th. All three of the Baltic countries are considered LGBT army friendly. This means that there are no regulations against LGBT serving openly in the army, however other factors can play into the treatment on LGBT.
As a report published in 2002, which urged the Estonian Legislation to take the treatment of LGBT in the military more seriously. Being a minority places the group in higher risk of mistreatment by other soldiers or higher ranking officials.This was a report compiled by the support of LGBT associations and IGLA. They stated that there should be stricter conduct in place to counter any homophobic attitudes or behavior. As it is difficult to find information on hate crimes on LGBT, they also urged the military to develop a better system of recording such incidents.
The small country of Estonia belongs to NATO. Nearly all of the countries that are apart of NATO have been noted to accept LGBT allowing them to be open about their sexuality. Aaron Belkin, a political science teacher told Huffington Post,
“In just about all of these countries there is research and anecdotal evidence that illustrates there is no problem, no decrease in cohesion among units, nor a diminishing effectiveness of the troops.”
The Hague Center of Strategic Statistics, whose analysis was discussed earlier, was established in 2007. Their purpose is to help governments understand the fast pace society and its ever changing ways. They then they provide input on policies and possible changes. HCSS is independent and they work together to produce reports, analyses, and recommendation.
Although improvements can constantly be made to ensure the welfare of LGBT, it should be acknowledged that Estonia allows for being openly gay in the army. This is something that not all countries allow, and what some had to overcome such as the US. I guess some countries can abide by the phrase, “Don't ask, don’t care!”
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