Lieberman Introduces Legislation in U.S. Senate to Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to end the ban on gays in the military. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and would repeal the current law of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the current law that expels military officials from serving in the military if they are honest about their sexual orientation.

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), an Iraq War veteran and a former paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division, is the lead sponsor of similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“His introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 is a bold, patriotic move that will long be remembered as key to removing the stain of the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law from the U.S. code,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights organization.

Military leaders, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen, recognize that DADT is a failed law and support its repeal.  Former Vice President and Defense Secretary Dick Cheney also recently came out for repeal by stating, “When the chiefs come forward and say, ‘We think we can do it,’ then it strikes me as it’s time to reconsider the policy, and I think Adm. Mullen said that.”  

Former supports of the gay ban, such as General Colin Powell, former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General John M. Shalikashvili, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have all indicated their support for repealing DADT as well.
 
Over the last few decades the majority of Americans have changed their mind about allowing gays to serve in the military. There is no reason why only heterosexuals should be out on the battlefield risking their lives while capable gay Americans stay home in a safe environment.

Last week, HRC launched a national action alert and announced details of its ongoing campaign to repeal DADT.  To focus on key states where congressional support for repeal is critical, HRC has dispatched field staff to six states – Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Virginia and West Virginia, with other states to follow in the months ahead. 

HRC is also asking members and supporters to sign up and to join the growing network of supporters to repeal DADT.  

Submitted by Troy on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 12:34pm.

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