Armed Force Panel Votes to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday voted to let the Defense Department repeal the ban on gay men, lesbians and bisexual people from serving openly in the military. It would be a big step toward dismantling the Clinton-era policy widely known as “don’t ask, don’t tell” as part of the annual Pentagon policy bill.

The House was considering a provision for repealing the ban in its version of the military policy bill. A vote on the legislation was possible late Thursday and, if approved, it would be the most forceful step yet by Democrats to repeal the ban.

The tally was 16 to 12. Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she was the only Republican to vote in favor of a repeal. She called the debate “vigorous.” The panel was already stacked in favor of Democrats passing the vote.

Senator Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan and chairman of the committee, said he believed the full Senate would support the repeal. However, a majority of the military and American public are not in favor of the change. Republicans are expected not to support the change either.

President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates favor repealing the ban, but the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines have objected. In letters solicited by Senator John McCain of Arizona, the senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, they urged Congress to delay voting on the issue until after Dec. 1, when the Defense Department is expected to complete a review of how to impose new rules.

With liberals in Congress being asked to vote this week on an unpopular war spending bill, Congressional Democratic leaders have been pushing to finally do away with a ban that many in their party view as discriminatory and not gay friendly.

In a floor speech on Thursday, gay Representative Barney Frank, Democrat of Massachusetts, denounced the policy that requires gay men, lesbians and bisexuals to keep their sexual orientation secret if they want to serve in the armed forces.

Representative Mike Pence of Indiana, the No. 3 Republican, accused Democrats of trying to use the military “to advance a liberal social agenda” and demanded that Congress “put its priorities in order.”

Earlier this week, Mr. Gates reluctantly said he would support a compromise between the White House and Congressional leaders that would allow Congress to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law now, but delay implementation of a new policy until after the Pentagon completes its review. (But what's the point of having a review if no one is going to consider its findings in the decision making process?)

As the House headed toward the politically charged vote as part of a broader Pentagon policy measure, Republicans and Democrats sought to frame the issue and several Republicans — typically backers of Pentagon legislation — said they would oppose the measure if a repeal of the ban was included.

“The military is not a social experiment,” said Representative Louie Gohmert, Republican of Texas, who said lifting the ban could encourage “overt” sexual behavior in the ranks. Senator McCain said the policy change would be harmful to morale. The Obama administration has been accused of being anti-military even before suggesting the change.

Some observers believe the Democrats fear big losses in the next next election, so they are trying to pass the most controversial bills before they lose their majority. Gays in the military and Amnesty for illegal aliens are therefore becoming top priorities. See Chick's THE GAY BLADE.