Gay-Ban Repeal Delayed

Citing the need to ensure the sanctity of unit cohesion, readiness, and other factors, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced May 28 that the plan to delay the repeal of the military’s ban on homosexuality until the rank and file have a chance to weigh in with their opinions. A Defense Department panel will review the possible impact of the repeal of the policy, known as “don’t ask, don’t tell,” before Congress would make any legislative changes, Gates said in a speech broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. No changes are likely before year’s end, Gates said. Any new law would “repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ only after … the review is completed, and only after the president, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I all can certify that we are ready to make this change without hurting unit cohesion, military readiness, military effectiveness, and recruiting and retention,” Gates said.