Don't Ask, Don't Tell: We're Still Waiting

Remember that in December, President Obama signed the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” repeal into law? Remember he told us in no uncertain terms that the law wouldn't take effect until they were sure it wasn't going to cause issues in the military? A smart move, if you consider the fact that the Marines and special forces really were not interested in allowing LGBT soldiers to be open about their sexuality.

Some LGBT soldiers who resigned or were discharged are chomping at the bit to get back in it, including a lesbian cadet named Katherine Miller who left West Point because she didn't want to lie about who she was anymore. Katherine reapplied to West Point, and her application was denied.

“While the don't ask, don't tell policy was recently changed and will be repealed, the effective date has not yet been determined,” Lt. Col. Sherri Reed, West Point's director of public affairs, said in a statement. “Due to this situation, West Point is unable to offer her readmission at this time.”

The executive director of Servicemembers United, a group of LGBT soldiers and veterans, says he understands their action. “I think their hands are tied,” he said.