OUR LATEST ISSUE
SITE SEARCH
Gay News: The US Senate has blocked a debate on the current ban of openly gay men and women serving in the military.
By: Nigel Robinson
Only 56 Senators in favour
Only 56 Senators in favour
Debate on "Don't Ask Don't Tell" blocked
22 September 2010
Despite a judge ruling that the ban is unconstitutional only 56 Senators voted in favour of debating the Defence Authorisation bill, which included the repeal of the gay military ban.
This was four short of the 60 votes required to hold the debate.
The majority of those voting against the debate were members of the Republican Party.
There are now concerns among Democrats that if the Republicans regain control of either of the two Houses of Representatives in the upcoming mid-term November elections, then the repeal might be postponed indefinitely.
President Barack Obama has said he is determined to end the military ban but shortly before the vote his nominee to head the Marines stated that he was against the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.
General James Amos said that the repeal would serve as a “distraction” to marines who were fighting in Afghanistan.
“In my personal view, the current law and associated policy have supported the unique requirements of the Marine Corps and thus I do not recommend its repeal.,” he said.
Recent polls have shown an increasing majority of Americans supporting openly gay men and women serving in the military.
