While holiday shopping, this reporter joined many others glued to their smart phone on Saturday, after the Senate brought "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to the floor with a vote of 63 - 33. The Senate then voted 65 - 31 to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allow LGBT soldiers to be honest about who they are.
Mere minutes after the final tally, many received emailed notification from the president himself that the Senate passed the repeal, and he would happily sign it into law later this week. "I know this repeal is a crucial step for civil rights, and that it strengthens our military and national security. I know it is the right thing to do." he wrote.
Lt. Dan Choi, who was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", and has been at the forefront of this fight, says he will be reenlisting under the new law, but he'll have to wait. While the law does repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", it also gives the Defense Department a bit of leeway in putting it into effect. Lawmakers cite ease of transition as the reason. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was quoted as saying she didn't think anyone will be discharged between now and when the law finally goes into full effect.
Mere minutes after the final tally, many received emailed notification from the president himself that the Senate passed the repeal, and he would happily sign it into law later this week. "I know this repeal is a crucial step for civil rights, and that it strengthens our military and national security. I know it is the right thing to do." he wrote.
Lt. Dan Choi, who was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", and has been at the forefront of this fight, says he will be reenlisting under the new law, but he'll have to wait. While the law does repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", it also gives the Defense Department a bit of leeway in putting it into effect. Lawmakers cite ease of transition as the reason. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was quoted as saying she didn't think anyone will be discharged between now and when the law finally goes into full effect.
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