Congress Revisits "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Tomorrow will mark the first Congressional hearing to evaluate the continued viability of the U.S. military "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy since its inception in 1993.

Much has changed in the way of public opinion over the past fifteen years. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) no longer appears to reflect the attitude of the majority of American citizens.

In sequential polls (1993, 2001, 2008), conducted jointly by The Washington Post and ABC News, participants were asked, "Do you think homosexuals who do publicly disclose their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve in the military or not?" In 1993 only 44% of those polled answered affirmatively. The number rose to 62% in 2001 and has continued to rise to a decisive 75% in the most recent poll conducted last week.

In the meantime, recruitment and retention demands have increased markedly over the past several years as our military leaders strive to fulfill the personnel requirements created by our current overseas campaigns. Honorable, qualified gay and lesbian servicemen and women are discharged daily for no reason other than their sexual orientation, while other weary soldiers’ tours are extended and they are recycled to combat zones again and again.

In light of these developments, DADT has garnered a second look by members of Congress.

The Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee will consider arguments both for and against the policy at 2 PM tomorrow in a hearing which will be open to the public. (The hearing will be held in room 2118 of the Rayburn House Office Building on Independence Avenue in downtown DC. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared to wait.)

Tomorrow's hearing is the first stage in response to a bill, H.R. 1246 or the “Military Readiness Enhancement Act,” introduced last February by Senator Marty Meehan (D-MA). The bill, if passed as is, would replace the DADT policy with one of nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Representatives from the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) will be present to offer statements in support of the bill. Although it is unlikely that a repeal of DADT will occur during the current administration, it is quite feasible in the near future depending on which of our current Presidential candidates is successful this November.

How do the candidates feel about this issue?

Senator John McCain believes that we should maintain the status quo.

He was quoted recently by the New York Times as saying, "Generally, overall, it’s working… I think it’s logical to leave this issue alone. I really do.”

Senator Barrack Obama has stated repeatedly that he would like to see DADT repealed.

In a statement released last month in correlation with annual Pride celebrations around the country, Obama is quoted as saying, “Let’s repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and demonstrate that the most effective and professional military in the world is open to all Americans who are ready and willing to serve our country.”

Massachusetts to Claim Bigger Piece of Gay Pie

On July 15th the Massachusetts State Senate voted unanimously to overturn a ninety five year old law banning marriage by out of state couples whose union would not be recognized as legal in their home states.

The 1913 law was resurrected in 2004 by then governor Mitt Romney in response to the legalization of same sex marriage. At the time Governor Romney was quoted as saying he did not want Massachusetts to become “the Las Vegas of gay marriage.” He was successful in limiting same sex marriage rights to couples who were citizens of the state.

When California legalized same sex marriage last month it imposed no such restrictions. Since that time the state’s economy has seen a boon to its tourism and wedding-related industries to the tune of millions of dollars. A recent study conducted by researchers at UCLA projected a net to California’s economy upwards of $600 million over the next three years, but they may have to adjust their predictions in light of the recent Massachusetts decision. (The bill will now go to the House, where it is expected to pass without contest.) It seems that gay and lesbian couples all over the United States will now have a choice.

The New York Times reports, "a just-released study commissioned by the State of Massachusetts concludes that in the next three years about 32,200 couples would travel here to get married, creating 330 permanent jobs and adding $111 million to the economy, not including spending by wedding guests and tourist activities the weddings might generate."

Much of the anticipated Massachusetts influx is expected to arrive from neighboring New York, where Governor David Paterson has declared that he will recognize same sex marriages performed in other states as legal unions with all accorded rights and privileges. Same sex marriages involving out of state couples performed in California and Massachusetts will undoubtedly lead to court challenges in many of the other forty eight states. While this may increase urgency on the part of opponents to pursue a federal marriage amendment there does not appear to be adequate support in Congress at this time.

Clearly, money talks and perhaps this is the silver lining to a recessed economy for gay and lesbian couples.