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Gay News: The US Senate has voted to repeal the law which bans out gay people from serving in the US military
By: Nigel Robinson
65 against 31 voted for repeal
!3,000 openly gay men and women have been discharged from the US military since the “don’t ask, don’t tell” legislation first came into force in 1993.
65 against 31 voted for repeal
Gays to serve openly in US military
20 December 2010
The Senate voted by 65 to 31 in favour of repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law.
President Obama welcomed the vote.
“It is time to recognise that sacrifice, valour and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race, or gender, religion or creed,” he said.
He added: “As Commander in Chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism or our troops as the best led and best trained fighting force the world has ever known.”
Speaking in favour of the repeal, the Democrat Senator Ron Wyden said: “I don’t care who you love. If you love this country enough to risk your life for it, you shouldn’t have to hide who you are.”
Although President Obama will sign the repeal into law in the next few days, gay servicemen and women may still have to wait before they can reveal their sexuality without fear of dismissal.
The law will not take effect immediately, but must first undergo a certification process, to ensure that the measure will not have a negative effect on military efficiency and readiness.
The certification process will be conducted by Obama, Defence Secretary Robert Gates, and Admiral Mike Mullen, chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
All three men are supporters of the repeal, so it seems certain the law will go ahead,
!3,000 openly gay men and women have been discharged from the US military since the “don’t ask, don’t tell” legislation first came into force in 1993.
