House Dems Seek to Repeal Military's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' PolicyWednesday, February 28, 2007
WASHINGTON — Foes of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays hope for better results in their efforts to repeal it in the new Democratic-run Congress.
Rep. Martin Meehan, D-Mass., on Wednesday revived legislation aimed at forcing the military to eliminate the policy preventing homosexual service members from being open about their orientation. Meehan said he expects the House Armed Services panel to hold hearings on the issue.
"I have worked in Congress to fight this policy because I believe that for more than a decade now it has undermined our national security interests," Meehan said.
He filed a similar measure that failed in the previous Congress, which was controlled by Republicans. That bill had more than 120 co-sponsors, including six Republicans. The new measure has 109 co-sponsors.
Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., who appeared with Meehan at a Capitol Hill news conference, branded the military's policy on gays and lesbians "foolish and cruel."
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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,255526,00.html