Breakthrough for US gay military personnel
US President Barack Obama has agreed to a compromise deal this week which could eventually see the repeal of the US military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy.
The repeal of DADT — the policy which forces gay and lesbian personnel to remain in the closet — will be voted on by lawmakers in both houses of Congress.
However, the repeal would not be implemented until the Pentagon finishes conducting a study on the effects of removing DADT.
In a letter to members of Congress, White House budget director Peter Orszag said the Obama administration supported the repeal of DADT.
It’s unknown at this stage if the repeal will pass.
Republicans and Democrats are divided on the issue, and there is also division within the ranks of both parties.
The Washington Post reported gay rights advocates have applauded the compromise, calling it a “dramatic breakthrough”.
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was implemented in 1993.
They had 13 long years to do a stupid report that means nothing – its called a “Republican vote delay tactic”!!!!
Long overdue!
Passed 234-194 in the House:
http://www.365gay.com/news/house-votes-to-end-ban-on-gays-in-military/
Will now be voted on in the Senate next month.
Oh, how much of a breakthrough this would be!
the pentagon needs to make a report on the effects of repealing DADT… Why?