By Sofia Sanchez University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) introduced legislation Wednesday that will effectively repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, a controversial policy that has prevented gay men and women from openly serving in the military.
"In sum, it is time for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to go," said Lieberman during a press conference Wednesday.
The bill, titled the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, has also found backing from Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.), Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).
“When people are not allowed to serve simply because of their sexual orientation, it diminishes our readiness, it diminishes our strength, it denies us ... men and women who can contribute to the defense of their country,” said Levin, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, during an appearance alongside Lieberman.
Levin went on to dismiss concerns that allowing openly gay soldiers to serve in the military would damper morale, and pointed to several other nations that have allowed gay men and women to serve without any impact on unit cohesion or morale.
"We have asked about this in hearings," said Levin. "We have been assured that there is no diminution of readiness or morale.”
Lieberman Pushes Legislation To Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) introduced legislation Wednesday that will effectively repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, a controversial policy that has prevented gay men and women from openly serving in the military.
"In sum, it is time for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to go," said Lieberman during a press conference Wednesday.
The bill, titled the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, has also found backing from Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.), Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).
“When people are not allowed to serve simply because of their sexual orientation, it diminishes our readiness, it diminishes our strength, it denies us ... men and women who can contribute to the defense of their country,” said Levin, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, during an appearance alongside Lieberman.
Levin went on to dismiss concerns that allowing openly gay soldiers to serve in the military would damper morale, and pointed to several other nations that have allowed gay men and women to serve without any impact on unit cohesion or morale.
"We have asked about this in hearings," said Levin. "We have been assured that there is no diminution of readiness or morale.”