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07/14/2009
Left, left, left, wing, left: More Dem Sens hint at DADT hiatus
Yesterday we told you about Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's (D-NY) talked-about plans to introduce a measure that would put a temporary (18-month) moratorium on DADT discharges. Now comes word that Senate Majority Leader Harry (D-NV) is also on board with the promising (even if provisional) pro-equality possibility.
This from The Advocate:
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday that he would support a measure being considered by some senators that would put an 18-month moratorium on investigations and discharges of gay soldiers in the military. But Reid said he would take the potential amendment to the Department of Defense reauthorization bill one step further.
"I would make it permanent," he added, suggesting that he would permanently suspend discharges.
Reid Supports Amendment Ending DADT [Advocate]
Now, most seem to agree that this is a long shot. But when it comes to long overdue basic fairness like this, we welcome just about any shot that isn't aimed at hurting our lives and loves.
**ALSO: Washington Blade has more: Reid endorses moratorium on 'Don't Ask'
Your thoughts
Sorry Dems. All I here is "blah blah blah blah blah blah"
Posted by: Jake | Jul 14, 2009 4:45:09 PM
I'm a bit confused. How is a permanant suspension any different than a full repeal?
Posted by: RainbowPhoenix | Jul 14, 2009 5:45:37 PM
RP: A suspension would mean that the nasty policy would remain on the books, current soldiers just wouldn't be investigated/discharged for it. But newbies would surely still be barred from service if they showed up to the recruitment office as an openly gay person.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Jul 14, 2009 5:48:20 PM
So a person could immediately come out after the paperwork is done with and not have to worry. This has the potential to be very amusing.
Posted by: RainbowPhoenix | Jul 14, 2009 5:58:05 PM
Well let's hope this, if successful, would be a precursor to a swift repeal.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Jul 14, 2009 6:02:39 PM
Jeremy, I'm pretty sure that under a suspension openly gay recruits could enlist. But it's an interesting question.
Posted by: Jake | Jul 14, 2009 9:18:30 PM
Actually Jake, the more I read, you're prob. right. But it will of course depend on the language of this theoretical measure -- at this point there's a lot of speculation.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Jul 14, 2009 9:38:19 PM
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