Episode 16 Summary – CFD Podcast: Adjudicative Guidelines Part D

In this episode, Tabetha Baume tackles one of the most sensitive and misunderstood areas of the clearance process. She clarifies that Guideline D is not about judging someone’s orientation, lifestyle, or consensual adult relationships. Instead, it focuses on one core issue: whether aspects of a person’s sexual behavior create vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or blackmail.

Through detailed real-world scenarios involving affairs, past sex work, dismissed charges, and consensual alternative lifestyles, Tabetha explains what does and does not create a security concern. She emphasizes that the government evaluates secrecy, criminality, judgment, and blackmail vulnerability, not morality. Tabetha also reinforces that honesty, openness, and taking responsibility are the strongest mitigating factors. She reminds listeners that adjudicators apply the whole person concept, looking at context, rehabilitation, and current behavior rather than isolated mistakes or outdated stigmas.