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Gay News: The American Congress has made an important step towards repealing the ban on gay people serving openly in the military.
By: Nigel Robinson
Repeal still has to become law
Repeal still has to become law
Major step towards repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
On Thursday 28 May the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House of Representatives each approved an amendment to a defence spending bill which would end the US military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
The controversial policy, introduced by President Clinton in 1993, allowed gay men and women to serve in the US military only if they kept their sexuality secret.
If they were open about being gay, or their sexuality was discovered, then they should be dismissed.
An estimated 14,000 gay Americans have been forced out of the military under this law.
The vote in both Houses was broadly split between Democrats voting for the amendment and Republicans against, and is being seen as a victory for President Obama who has actively supported the ending of the ban.
"This legislation will help make our armed forces even stronger and more inclusive by allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve honestly and with integrity," the President said.
Gay rights groups across the country called the vote historic.
“The importance of this vote cannot be overstated,” said Joe Solmonese, president of Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organisation.
”This is the beginning of the end of a shameful ban on open service by lesbian and gay troops that has weakened our national security."
The repeal is part of a wider defence spending bill and is dependent on that bill being ratified on Friday 28 May, something which is seen as almost certain, although some politicians have said they would consider voting against the bill should the amendment be included.
However, the repeal will not become law until after a Pentagon study, due to be delivered in December, reports on the likely impact of the change, and whether it would not have negative effect on the military’s fighting ability or “unit cohesion”.
Republican Senator and former Presidential nominee who was against the repeal said: “It's going to be very harmful to the morale and affect the battle effectiveness of our military.”
Patrick Murphy, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, who supported the amendment, said: “"With our military fighting two wars, why on Earth would we tell 13,500 able-bodied Americans that their service is not needed?"
A recent survey by the Washington Post revealed that 75% of Americans supported gay men and women serving in the military.
