The controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which barred gay and lesbian members of the military from serving openly, officially ended today.
The Pentagon made the announcement last week, saying gay and lesbian soldiers will no longer be forced to live in secret, will no longer be discharged, and any previously discharged soldiers may now also seek readmission
But the repeal doesn’t come without controversy, as 2 of the most powerful Republicans on the House Armed Service Committee have called for a delay in ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Rep. Buck McKeon, who chairs the Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Joe Wilson, who chairs the committee’s personnel subcommittee, asked Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to “take immediate action to delay the implementation of repeal.”
Initially, an armed services official said the Department of Defense would not respond to a congressional letter through the media. But a representative later clarified the Department of Defense position, saying “The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will occur, in accordance with the law and after a rigorous certification process, on September 20th.”
Good riddance to an unfair and discriminatory policy. And congratulations to all the soldiers who may now ASK and TELL!
"Good riddance to an unfair and discriminatory policy. And congratulations to all the soldiers who may now ASK and TELL!"
HEAR! HEAR!