It's far from over, and could still be derailed by the generals and admirals, but at least the United States Congress is going on record as stating the cruel "don't ask, don't tell" law which brutalizes the treatment of gays and lesbians in that countries armed services in no longer acceptable in a free and democratic country where all are considered equal.
House votes to end 'don't ask, don't tell' policy
By Perry Bacon Jr. and Ed O'Keefe, Washington Post Staff Writers, Friday, May 28, 2010
The House voted Thursday night to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," the controversial policy barring openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military. The measure -- an amendment to a defense policy bill -- passed 234 to 194, delivering a major victory to gay rights activists who have opposed the Pentagon policy since it was enacted in 1993. It also marks the most aggressive step by Democrats in implementing President Obama's campaign pledge to end the policy. The legislation includes a provision ensuring that no change would take effect until the Pentagon completes a study about its impact on troops, due to Congress Dec. 1. It also requires that a policy change would not affect the military's ability to fight wars or recruit soldiers.
link: House votes to end 'don't ask, don't tell' policy
I'm not confident that the Pentagon will not find a way to kill this reform, or delay it until US forces are fighting a foreign war - the same thing - I think it could lead eventually to another Congressional vote that will not give the Pentagon the option of veto.
I am also convinced that the long battle for equality for gays and lesbians in the USA, including the right to same-sex marriage, will only be won when gays and lesbians are fighting and defending their country alongside heterosexual Americans. I don't think I am drawing too much from the Canadian experience, or that of other countries who welcomed gays and lesbians in the armed services before approving same-sex marriage. But how can a country continue to deny the rights and privileges that go with citizenship to men and women who have fought (and in some sad cases have died) defending those same rights and privileges and maintain any sense of honour and credibility?
Of course there are some nut-cases out there who will use this argument to proclaim, "if you let them die for their country, the next thing they will want to marry!" Well let them, because every time they open their mouths they weaken their argument.
Congratulations to the US House of Representatives and the US Senate Armed Services Committee, and here's to hoping the pressure will be on the Pentagon to reverse decades of discrimination and do the right thing.
