Is "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" About to Die?

The public is against it, retired generals speak out for its repeal and a recent court ruling says being gay is not enough to warrant exclusion from the military. Is the ban on gays in the military about to expire?

A poll this month by Post-ABC found that 75% of Americans say gays and lesbians who are open about their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve in the military. Eighty percent of Democrats and 64% of Republicans agree that forbidding gay people to serve openly in the military is an outdated idea that has no bearing on public safety.

Also this month, a group of former U.S. generals have called for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." More than 50 Generals and Admirals signed a statement that says:

We support the recent comments of another former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General John Shalikashvili, who has concluded that repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy would not harm, and would indeed help our armed forces. As is the case in Britain, Israel, and other nations which allow gays and lesbians to serve openly, our service members are professionals who are able to work together effectively despite differences in race, gender, religion, and sexuality. Such collaboration reflects the strength and the best traditions of our democracy.

More than 12,000 people have been discharged from the military since 1993 for their sexual orientation.

Learn More:

• What is "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?
• Federal Court ruling against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
• How do active service members feel about it?
• A Lesbian Soldier's Story
• One presidential candidate wants to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" the other wants to keep it.

_{© Photo by Kathy Belge}