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Bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" introduced in Senate

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] A bill was introduced Wednesday to the US Senate that would allow gay soldiers to serve openly in the US military. Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, which would repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. In a statement released Thursday, Senator Roland Burris (D-IL) hailed the proposed legislation: For too long, gay and lesbian service members have been forced to conceal their sexual orientation in order to dutifully serve their country. With this bill, we will end this discriminatory policy that grossly undermines the strength of our fighting men and women at home and abroad. This legislation will ensure that all gay and lesbian soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines can serve their country openly and proudly without the threat of prejudice or discharge.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) praised the bill, encouraging Congress to act quickly to end the policy. Republican lawmakers and military leaders have urged Congress not to act until the Pentagon completes its study on the impact of repealing the policy.The repeal of the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy has been an important issue for US President Barack Obama since he took office, and its inclusion in the State of Union Address makes it clear that it remains a priority for the administration. In January, legal advisers for the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, suggested that he delay any internal efforts to repeal the policy until 2011. In October, Obama pledged to end the controversial policy. After the US Supreme Court denied certiorari to review the policy in June, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) announced that it would hold hearings to review it. In 2008, more than 100 retired admirals and generals of the US military called for a repeal of the policy.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on March 04, 2010 (boomark / email).