(Link) The Military Readiness Enhancement Act finally gets support from both sides of the fence. Congress suddenly craves an end to discrimination or it is just those plummeting enlistment rates during an unpopular war?
Thursday, March 09, 2006
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From GayWired
One year after its introduction, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1059), a Congressional bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” is now co-sponsored by a bi-partisan group of 110 Members of Congress.
The legislation, introduced on March 2, 2005 by Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA), would repeal the military’s ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members and allow gay Americans to serve openly. Four Republican lawmakers have joined 106 Democrats in supporting the bill.
“Congress is increasingly recognizing that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is a counter-productive law that hurts our national security and undermines our nation’s commitment to equality,” said SLDN Director of Law and Policy Sharra E. Greer. “Representative Meehan is leading the movement in Congress to place national security ahead of discrimination. SLDN is proud to work with him in that endeavor. One year after the introduction of repeal legislation, we are closer than ever to guaranteeing Americans the freedom to serve, regardless of their sexual orientation.”
More than 10,000 service members have been discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” since its implementation in 1993. According to a recent Blue Ribbon Commission report from the University of California-Santa Barbara, the law has cost American taxpayers at least $363.8 million. And a recent Gallup poll reported 79% of the public favor allowing gays to serve openly.
“In a time of war it is outrageous our military continues to discharge courageous service members... for reasons that have nothing to do with their conduct in the military,” Meehan told United Press International when introducing the legislation. “The evidence is overwhelming we need to change the policy.”
For more information on the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, and a complete list of co-sponsors, visit www.sldn.org.
It figures
In times of war however the US has always held a shush and wink policy toward gays and lesbians in its ranks. The true test will come after the war is over - should that blessed day ever arrive
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