US Senate blocks move to allow overt homosexuals in military

September 22, 2010

The US Senate has blocked legislation that would have allowed openly homosexual men and women to enlist in the armed forces. The same legislation would also have allowed abortions at military hospitals.

On a procedural vote, the Senate declined to take action on a measure that would have repealed the current military policy—popularly known as the “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule—that bars open homosexuality in the military ranks. The effort to repeal the rule was strongly endorsed by President Obama, with support from Defense Secretary Robert Gates and from Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Republican lawmakers fought successfully to ward off action on the bill.

The Senate vote came just a few hours after the incoming head of the US Marine Corps, General James Amos, revealed that a majority of Marines opposed the bid to repeal the existing policy. In August, a public-opinion poll showed that an overwhelming majority of likely American voters were opposed to a quick change from current military policy.

 

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Further information:

• Move to End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Stalls in Senate (New York Times)
• Christian Groups Hail Vote Blocking DADT Repeal (Christian Post)
• Most US Marines opposed to lifting gay ban: general (AFP)
• US voters oppose change in military 'don't ask don't tell' policy (CWN, 8/11)