Mixed outlook on possible inclusion of gays in US military [video]
“Before a change in the law, we would have to certify that we’ve made enough preparations that it wouldn’t affect unit cohesion, morale, retention and recruiting, and so on. The legislation would give us great deal of flexibility. I am not particularly optimistic, though, that it will get done. We’ll see…. A change in this law is inevitable. Their concern is whether it ought to be done now when the force is under so much stress. With such continuing rotations or deployments, still having the war in Afghanistan and 50,000 troops in Iraq and their view is that it ought to by and large, it should come, but not now.”
Defense Secretary Robert Gates as quoted by CNN. His comments came after two days of testimony before a Congressional hearing on the matter. A study commissioned by the Pentagon found that a clear majority of military members did not believe including gays would have a substantially negative impact. The House has already voted to repeal the ban on openly gay servicemen; but the Senate (with opposition led by Mitch McConnell and John McCain) is still debating the matter. In January, more Republicans are set to take over seats in both the House and Senate, and it is predicted by most involved that repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will not happen once they are sworn in. One Republican Senator, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, has said he favors repeal. (CNN)
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