Witness immunity sought for gay service members (xpost from Veterans)

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Witness immunity sought for gay service members
By LISA LEFF
Associated Press Writer
Dec 2, 4:12 PM EST

Gay service members who reveal their sexual orientations during congressional testimony would be immune from forced discharges under a bill introduced Wednesday, as lawmakers prepare to consider repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military.

The legislation's author, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., said the bill is needed to ensure that Congress has reliable and relevant witnesses at its disposal if the House holds hearings next year on the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

The bill also would protect from retaliatory personnel actions any members of the military who testify for or against lifting the 16-year ban.

"How can there be anything more important than a gay member of the service having the right to testify before the Armed Services Committee of the Congress that he is under the aegis of," Hastings told The Associated Press. "But if they come and testify, that testimony could be used against them under 'don't ask, don't tell.' In my judgment, it's just a question of fairness."

Hastings so far has secured 27 Democratic co-sponsors for his "Honest and Open Testimony Act." But the measure also has met surprising opposition from leading gay veterans groups and other Democrats who have been at the forefront of the movement to repeal the policy.


Rest of article at: http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/U/US_MILITARY_GAY_TESTIMONY?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT