US Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) was supported by a group of leading Democratic Senators Wednesday as he introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” The legislation will be discussed as part of the Annual Defense Authorization Bill by the Senate Armed Services Committee in May, according to the Washington Post. Top US military leaders announced they would conduct a year-long review of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in February, at which time Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered a 45-day review period. After hearing Senator Lieberman’s proposal, Pentagon spokespeople say they will still need until December 1 to complete their intended study, reports the Washington Post. President Obama announced a promise to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” during his State of the Union Address on January 27. He said, “this year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.” The policy was instituted by former President Bill Clinton in 1993 and prohibits the military from inquiring about a service member’s sexual orientation, but also calls for the discharge of anyone who acknowledges being lesbian or gay. Thus far, the policy has led to the expulsion of about 13,000 troops.
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