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The Concern. Sexual behavior is a security concern if it involves a criminal offense, indicates a personality or emotional disorder, subjects the individual to coercion, exploitation, or duress, or reflects lack of judgment or discretion. (see footnote) Sexual orientation or preference may not be used as a basis for or a disqualifying factor in determining a person's eligibility for a security clearance.

Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include:

a. Sexual behavior of a criminal nature, whether or not the individual has been prosecuted;

b. Compulsive or addictive sexual behavior when the person is unable to stop a pattern of self-destructive or high-risk behavior or which is symptomatic of a personality disorder;

c. Sexual behavior that causes an individual to be vulnerable to coercion, exploitation or duress;

d. Sexual behavior of a public nature and/or which reflects lack of discretion or judgment.

Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

a. The behavior occurred during or prior to adolescence and there is no evidence of subsequent conduct of a similar nature;

b. The behavior was not recent and there is no evidence of subsequent conduct of a similar nature;

c. There is no other evidence of questionable judgment, irresponsibility, or emotional instability;

d. The behavior no longer serves as a basis for coercion, exploitation, or duress.

Footnote: The adjudicator should also consider guidelines pertaining to criminal conduct; or emotional, mental, and personality disorders, in determining how to resolve the security concerns raised by sexual behavior.

Next page > Emotional, Mental, and Personality Disorders

Above Information Courtesy of Defense Security Service (DSS)