THE END OF "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" FOR GAYS IN THE MILITARY!

WASHINGTON - The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was dismissed from the military Saturday in a historic Senate vote to allow gays in the ranks to serve openly.
President Obama, hailing a much-needed win over resurgent Republicans, quickly pledged to sign the DADT repeal bill that the nation's top uniformed officer, Adm. Mike Mullen, had called "the right thing to do."

"No longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay," Obama said.

But gay rights groups warned gays and lesbians currently serving against coming out of the closet for at least 60 days after Obama signs in a White House ceremony expected Monday.

The bill includes a 60-day waiting period that could be extended while Defense Secretary Robert Gates "certifies" that the huge change in military culture can be carried out without impact on the nation's ability to fight wars.

"The bottom line for now is that gay, lesbian and bisexual service members must remain cautiously closeted," said Aubrey Sarvis, an Army veteran and head of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

The 65-31 Senate vote, following a 250-174 vote in the House, ended a 17-year-old DADT policy that former President Bill Clinton came up with after he failed to lift the ban on gays in the military.

Under DADT, gays could serve but only if they kept their sexual identity secret.

Sen. John McCain led opposition to the repeal that appeared to be succeeding until his best friend in Congress, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), organized a pushback that picked up six Republican votes to break a GOP filibuster.

The floor debate featured an emotional appearance by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who is facing surgery Monday for prostate cancer.

"DADT is a wrong that should never have been perpetrated," Wyden said, adding that "I look forward to being with all of you next year."

McCain warned of a rush to quit the military by troops who refuse to serve with gays. The military will follow orders, McCain said, "But don't think there won't be a great cost."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) hit back at McCain by quoting one of McCain's idols, the late Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.): "You don't have to be straight to shoot straight."

Christian and conservative groups denounced the Senate action. The military "has now been hijacked and turned into a tool for imposing on the country a radical social agenda," said Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council and a former Marine sergeant.



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