Deal Reached for Ending Law on Gays in Military
WASHINGTON — President Obama, the Pentagon and leading lawmakers reached agreement Monday on legislative language and a time frame for repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, clearing the way for Congress to take up the measure as soon as this week.
It was not clear whether the deal had secured the votes necessary to pass the House and Senate, but the agreement removed the Pentagon’s objections to having Congress vote quickly on repealing the contentious 17-year-old policy, which bars gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the armed services.House Democratic leaders were meeting Monday night and considering taking up the measure as soon as Thursday. But even if the measure passes, the policy cannot not change until after Dec. 1, when the Pentagon completes a review of its readiness to deal with the changes. Mr. Obama, his defense secretary and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff would also be required to certify that repeal would not harm readiness.
The measure could enable gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military for the first time, ending a policy that Mr. Obama, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, all say they oppose…
Of course, the opposition at CitizenLink doesn’t agree:
“Let there be no doubt,” he said, “they’re not looking at whether or not this is good for the service, whether or not this hurts overall effectiveness. They’re looking at a political decision that has little to do with the overall best interest of the military.”
Many current and retired military leaders have argued that repeal of the 1993 law or the DADT policy would negatively affect troop readiness and unit cohesion, leaving the nation vulnerable during times of war.
Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, said even though Adm. Mullen has said he personally wants DADT overturned, others want it to remain law.
“Contrary to some well-spun misinformation, it is not true that ‘top Pentagon brass’ have advocated repeal of the 1993 law,” she said. “Adm. Mike Mullen…is out of step with the other military service chiefs, who have gone on record expressing serious reservations about the consequences of repealing the 1993 law.”
She said the latest “deal” is fooling no one.
“Our brave men and women should not have to pay the price,” she said, “just so President Obama can deliver on his campaign promises to LGBT left groups.”
This obviously ignores the enormous support for repeal:
Military Chaplains in Support of DADT Repeal
Military Bloggers Come Out In Favor Of DADT Repeal
Top Military Officials Back Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Conservatives Shift in Favor of Openly Gay Service Members
Top military officer: Gays should serve
Virginia Military Residents Urge Sen. Webb to Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2010
Cheney supports repealing ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’
Nothing is finalized just yet, but this is a significant step in the repeal process. Hopefully the vote comes through soon…