The U.S. House and a Senate committee approved amendments to a military bill Thursday that would repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy barring openly gay and lesbian soldiers from military service, but only after some conditions are met. The Senate Armed Services Committee voted 16-12 to approve compromise language on the repeal in an amendment to the military policy bill. The panel then voted 18-10 to send the bill to the full Senate. In the House, the chamber voted 234-194 to add the amendment to its version of the defense policy bill. A final vote on the full bill was expected Friday. President Obama praised the votes. "I am pleased that both the House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee took important bipartisan steps toward repeal tonight," Obama said in a statement. "This legislation will help make our Armed Forces even stronger and more inclusive by allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve honestly and with integrity." Human Rights Campaign calls congressional votes historic. Repeal would happen after military review, presidential OK.
Let those willing to serve do it openly and honestly with integrity and dignity. President Truman integrated the military in 1948 by executive order over the objections of the service chiefs because it was the right thing to do. Yes there was a negative impact, but the military adjusted and is better for it. Colin Powell is a fine example of what can be accomplished with equal opportunity.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/05/28/congress.military.gays.policy/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29
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