Timothy R. McVeigh
Encyclopedia
Timothy R. McVeigh is a former United States Navy
sailor, best known as the first person to win a court case under the U.S. Military's "Don't ask, don't tell
" policy.
s and the Navy Commendation Medal
during his service.
on his publicly-available America Online e-mail account with screen name "boysrch". The Navy contacted AOL, pretending to be a friend of McVeigh's, and requested the name behind the screen name "boysrch." AOL confirmed that his profile indicated his marital status was "gay".
McVeigh challenged the Navy's decision to discharge him on the grounds that his AOL profile did not amount to a declaration of homosexuality, and furthermore that the Navy acted improperly by investigating the AOL account without a court order or a warrant. The Federal Court held that the government violated the Electronic Communications Privacy Act
and issued a preliminary injunction preventing the government from discharging McVeigh. The Court also determined that the Navy violated its own "Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy.
The case was settled in June 1998. The Navy did not admit any wrongdoing. McVeigh was able to retire at the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer
with full benefits and the Navy paid for his legal fees. In a separate settlement, AOL agreed to pay damages to McVeigh for having improperly disclosed his identity.
McVeigh said he planned to retire to civilian life before Labor Day 1998.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
sailor, best known as the first person to win a court case under the U.S. Military's "Don't ask, don't tell
Don't ask, don't tell
"Don't ask, don't tell" was the official United States policy on homosexuals serving in the military from December 21, 1993 to September 20, 2011. The policy prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants, while...
" policy.
Early life
McVeigh spent 17 years in the Navy before retiring in 1998. He earned four Good Conduct MedalGood Conduct Medal
The Good Conduct Medal is one of the oldest military awards of the United States military. The Navy Good Conduct Medal was first issued in 1869, followed by a Marine version in 1896. The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal was issued in 1923 and the Army Good Conduct Medal in 1941. The Air Force was...
s and the Navy Commendation Medal
Commendation Medal
The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may...
during his service.
Case
In 1998 the Navy alleged that McVeigh had declared his homosexualityHomosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
on his publicly-available America Online e-mail account with screen name "boysrch". The Navy contacted AOL, pretending to be a friend of McVeigh's, and requested the name behind the screen name "boysrch." AOL confirmed that his profile indicated his marital status was "gay".
McVeigh challenged the Navy's decision to discharge him on the grounds that his AOL profile did not amount to a declaration of homosexuality, and furthermore that the Navy acted improperly by investigating the AOL account without a court order or a warrant. The Federal Court held that the government violated the Electronic Communications Privacy Act
Electronic Communications Privacy Act
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act is a United States law.- Overview :The “electronic communication” means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic or...
and issued a preliminary injunction preventing the government from discharging McVeigh. The Court also determined that the Navy violated its own "Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy.
The case was settled in June 1998. The Navy did not admit any wrongdoing. McVeigh was able to retire at the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer
Master Chief Petty Officer
- Master Chief Petty Officer :U.S. Coast GuardMaster ChiefPetty OfficerCap & Collar deviceU.S. Coast GuardMaster ChiefPetty OfficerinsigniaGood conductRating badgeMaster ChiefPetty OfficerCap & Collar Insignia...
with full benefits and the Navy paid for his legal fees. In a separate settlement, AOL agreed to pay damages to McVeigh for having improperly disclosed his identity.
McVeigh said he planned to retire to civilian life before Labor Day 1998.