Saturday, June 27, 2009

Skelton Promises Hearings on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

The Hill reports that House Armed Services Committee Chair Ike Skelton has agreed to hold hearings on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gays in the military.

Skelton's decision was reportedly, in part, based on pressure from fellow Democrats.

"On Thursday, freshman Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.) challenged and urged House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton to take action on already existing legislation—the Military Readiness Enhancement Act—which repeals the ban," wrote The Hill. "As a consequence, Skelton -- who played a major role in crafting Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” -- promised to hold hearings to weigh the implications of a repeal."

BUT: Some Senators, like Michigan's Carl Levin believe it will take White House leadership to overturn the ban.

AND: Service members and veterans marched to the White House on Saturday in order to protest the law that bans openly gay people from serving in the military.


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