Why did some congressmen oppose admitting women to the military?
1 Answer
Admission of women into the military in particular combat roles has been hotly debated from 1978, and was still an issue with regard to policies like the draft.
Explanation:
In the ultra-feminist years of the '70's, allowing women into the military was on the agenda for demonstrators. There were already females in the military who were high-ranking, but who were not permitted to fly fighters or drive tanks, operate in combat ships or lead infantry personnel into battle.
These restrictions have changed over the years so that now females as well as gay and trans-gendered personnel have full access to all military positions.
Congressmen became more involved in the decision making when the problems like that of the draft were presented. There were laws passed after the second world war that prevented women from being required to sign up for the draft. But now that women could enlist in combat roles, they would all be required to sign up. This legislation was passed in April, 2016.
There is information here:
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/pentagon-women-in-combat-republican-reaction-216412
Back in 1978:
https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/press-past/2013/05/15/arguing-for-and-against-women-in-combat-in-1978
