Still, gays' applications for clearance are scrutinized more closely than heterosexuals'. According to a statement given to the press last June by DoD, homosexuality is "a relevant factor in a determination of whether a person is reliable and trustworthy.... Its significance must be determined on a case-by-case basis in light of the particular circumstances involved.... Among the factors to be considered as to whether homosexual behavior presents a security risk is whether a particular individual has engaged or engages in acts which are criminal, notorious, disgraceful, reckless or irresponsible, constitute sexual perversion, or indicate lack of judgment or stability."
Such scrutiny results in a lengthy delay of the process, says Gayer. He cites as an example the "secret"-level clearance procedure, which, for someone not known to be gay, does not involve interviews with the applicant or people who know him or her. "All they do is check your arrest record, ...
