State Senate Endorses Reversal Of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

The California State Senate voted in favor of endorsing the resolution (SJR-9) calling for the repeal of of the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule established in the U.S. military in a 24-7 vote, Thursday.

The measure received bipartisan support in Sacramento.

The resolution calls on the United States Congress to pass and President Barack Obama to immediately sign the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which would end the policy and allow gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans to serve openly in the armed forces.

“We are thrilled that the State of California is officially on record in favor of repealing ?Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ an antiquated policy that keeps patriotic, courageous soldiers from serving openly and honestly in the military, and now we call on the entire California congressional delegation to follow the legislature’s lead,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors.

“We call for President Obama to cease the discharges of brave soldiers now and to keep his promise to repeal this damaging policy. We urge Congress and President Obama to act immediately-a repeal of ?Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is long overdue.”

The U.S. Congress is expected to take up the issue this week.