Many advocates of repealing the discriminatory Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy felt betrayed by the “compromise” deal that President Obama and Congress are attempting to pass because the compromise would cede control over repeal implementation to the Pentagon (the very organization that has defended DADT as a sound policy for years) as well as the exclusion of a non-discrimination policy that covers sexual orientation. The Huffington Post is now reporting that Speaker Pelosi has admitted the original language in the House, did in fact, include a nondiscrimination clause. Sadly, that clause was removed to appease the White House. “The compromise that was arrived at — our language in the House, as you’re probably aware, was stronger language with nondiscrimination clauses in it. It was believed that it was deemed stronger if we had the exact same language as the Senate, and language that the White House would endorse, so we softened our language to meet that standard so there’s no doubt there’s unity — House, Senate, the whole Congress and White House, that this repeal will take place,” Pelosi said.
Military leaders steadfastly refused to accept, and the White House refused to endorse, language that would bar discrimination against gay soldiers and so the non-discrimination clause was dropped. Which leads one to wonder, even if they pass this “compromise” how are gay soldiers supposed to be allowed to serve openly and honestly when military leaders (with the approval of the White House) refuse to ban discrimination targeting gay soldiers?
