Defense chief Gates backs push to end "don't ask, don't tell"

[rsmith6621]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_usa_military_gays


MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday he hoped the outgoing Congress would approve legislation ending the military's ban on gays but was unsure of the prospects for success.

President Barack Obama has pledged to do away with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, adopted in 1993, but big gains by Republicans in the November 2 elections have raised doubts about ending the ban once the new Congress takes power in January.

Republicans, many of whom oppose repeal, will take control of the House of Representatives and won seats in the Senate.

Asked about the prospects for repeal during the so-called lame duck session, Gates said: "I would like to see the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' but I'm not sure what the prospects for that are. And we'll just have to see."

Gates made the comments to reporters aboard a U.S. military aircraft shortly before landing in Australia for annual bilateral talks.

[Divine Discontent]

1. the 'lame duck' session should do everything they can, because after the new lot gets in, even more

of 'nothing' is gonna get done. the party of NO will make sure of that.

[pinto]

2. Agree.

:hi:

[Divine Discontent]

3. can we take a 2 yr vacation to somewhere warm & quiet??? ha

:hi: