Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Top Vet In Congress Calls For Repeal Of DADT

Rep. Sestak (D-PA) is the latest in a growing number of former military brass calling for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law banning lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel from serving openly in the military.

Sestak, who had served as a three-star Admiral and who spent thirty-one years in the Navy, is the highest ranking military veteran in Congress.

"It is easy for me to see why 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' should be repealed," Sestak told the Equality Forum.

"Once you have served in war and faced danger with a gay service member, how can you come home and say gay people should not enjoy equal rights? It is simple. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' must be repealed."

Sestak joins 16 other veterans in Congress who are co-sponsors of legislation to lift the ban on openly gay service... (365Gay.com)

Thank you, shipmate!

UPDATE: The Washington Blade is reporting that Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, made statements last Sunday that the military would support 'Don't Ask' repeal if Congress decides to do so. Not an unexpected answer, but perhaps this is a sign that some of the top brass at least won't oppose a serious effort to repeal the ban.

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sometimes we focus too much on what relates directly to our issue of concern. Sometimes there are other things said and done that are related as well, but only indirectly. In the speech Adm. Mullen gave, he also said, "You are joining a military that is more diverse, more representative of our country than any military we’ve ever had,” he said. “There is great strength in that, great benefits. And we are a military that must represent our country."

Frankly, I think that is a more accurate potrayal of the admiral's views than what he said directly related to DADT.