In recent weeks, the debate over the infamous "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy regarding LGBT soldiers has grown significantly. Major heads of the armed forces have spoken out against the policy, calling for its repeal. Political leaders have agreed with the sentiment, and most have pledged to seek its destruction. And on September 9th, a federal district judge, Virginia Phillips, declared the policy unconstitutional and effectively ended its 17-year reign.
The declaration seemed a crowning achievement for LGBT rights and was hailed by many as the ruling most needed to bring equality to the military. Judge Phillips decried the policy, most notably disparaging the military's practice of discharging outed service members only after their return from combat conditions, saying "...the effect of the Act has been, not to advance the Government's interests of military readiness and unit cohesion, much less to do so significantly, but to harm that interest."
After the ruling, preparation and announcement of the military's intention to accept openly gay and lesbian applicants at recruiting stations came swiftly. The debate continued to rage in the popular media, but it was mostly embodied by a fringe minority that seemed uninterested in the protection of equal rights. Most agreed with the ruling, and polls showed a majority supported Judge Phillips' decision, with over 60% of Americans agreeing with the injunction. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," it seemed, was finally over.
Curiously, however, the policy continued to show its reluctance to die, and an injunction was quickly placed against Judge Phillips' ruling by the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals, pending action by the military. And suddenly and unexpectedly, several politicians, most notably Senator John McCain, started back-pedaling on their stance and began requesting more inquiry into the possible deleterious effects of the repeal. They expressed concern over what might transpire regarding military readiness and cohesion should the policy be immediately lifted without a quality transition plan, backed by academic research and a proven path of action.
Article comments
1 - Alan Kurtz
Your heart is in the right place but your head is in the clouds. Back down here on earth, the chance that the U.S. Senate will repeal DADT during the present lame duck session is virtually nil. And the odds that the new Congress that convenes in January will even entertain repeal are exactly zero.
President Obama's leadership on this issue has been indecisive and uninspiring. Plus, he cannot unilaterally rescind DADT via executive order. It's up to Congress.
I'm sure the American people's tolerance for gays and lesbians will continue to grow. But DADT is a law and there is no realistic chance that it will be repealed for at least another two years.
2 - Bryan
I'm holding hope that the Supreme Court will strike down the policy, rather than Congress. It is a constitutional issue, and with the ruling by Judge Phillips it is almost assured to be heard by the Supreme Court in due time.
3 - Alan Kurtz
Bryan, as your BC bio correctly states, you are a dreamer. The U.S. Supreme Court may affirm Judge Phillips's ruling, but only if the Court's overwhelming conservative majority unexpectedly dies and goes to Judicial Heaven, and is replaced by six or seven flaming liberals--and I do mean flaming. Given the Court's present composition, there is absolutely no chance that DADT will be declared unconstitutional.