Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Ahead of L.A., Growing Support for Repeal

As the Democratic candidates for president prepare to meet in L.A. this evening to discuss LGBT issues, The Los Angeles Times is reporting on the change of heart happening in Congress and the Pentagon when it comes to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "Subtly but unmistakably, rhetoric from the military and Congress has begun to soften on the controversial policy known as 'don't ask, don't tell,'" the Times reports. "[Retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin] Powell himself has changed his tune, acknowledging that attitudes have shifted. A House bill that would lift the ban on gays serving openly has gained support from military veterans in that chamber. And the pressures of the Iraq war and the 2008 presidential campaign have focused more attention on the merits of a repeal." Candidates for tonight's forum have already submitted written responses about the military's ban, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (pictured) wrote that, "Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice -- the traits that define our men and women in uniform -- have nothing to do with sexual orientation. This is a matter of national security, and I will fix it." This morning's Times reports that Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards submitted similar statements about the issue. But shifts aren't just happening on the Democratic side. The Portland Phoenix reports this morning on Republican Senator Susan Collins, who also seems to be taking a more critical look at the policy. "A source close to Collins tells the Phoenix she is likely to become the lead Republican senator backing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would reverse DA, DT and create a non-discrimination policy for the military," the paper reports. "The bill is picking up sponsors in the House, and activists have long hoped Collins would join them to take the debate to the Senate." Collins may be "starting to sing with the choir now," the Phoenix says, "crediting a gay retired admiral from Maine who recently sat down with her to tell her his thoughts on 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell . . . '" The evolving views in Congress and the DoD are welcome news. With leaders like Senator Clinton, Senator Collins and others stepping up to the plate, our home run can only be so far off. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, collins, Congress, Hillary Clinton, in the news

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08-09-07