U.S. House Passes Repeal Of DADT

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday night to pass the Murphy amendment to the emergency Military Appropriations Bill. This is the amendment that will repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) policy that has been enforced by the United States Military for years. The new policy is to let gays and lesbians serve openly in the military without having to keep their sexual preference a secret. The amendment passed on a 234 to 194 vote, and will take effect after the military completes its study on how to implement the new policy (probably about the end of the year).

The Republican leadership had been bragging that all House Republicans would vote against the amendment. That didn't happen. Five Republicans joined 229 Democrats in voting to approve the amendment. The five Republicans who defied their party and voted for equality are:

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Florida)

Rep. Ron Paul (Texas)

Rep. Joseph Cao (Louisiana)

Rep. Judy Biggert (Illinois)

Rep. Charles Djou (Hawaii)

Normally I don't have many good things to say about Republicans, and I'm sure I will disagree with these five Republicans many times in the future. But I respect the courageous stand they took for equality on Thursday night. There are many right-wingers and fundamentalists in their party who will not be pleased with their vote. It wouldn't hurt to write or call these representatives and tell them how much you appreciate their vote.

I think it is also appropriate that this vote took place just a few days before Memorial Day -- the day when we honor all of our current military and veterans, both gay and straight. It just seems right that this small step toward a more equal military should come at this important holiday.

Now it is up to the U.S. Senate to do their part and also pass this measure. That will probably also require at least some Republican support, since some in that party are threatening to filibuster the appropriations bill if it contains a repeal of DADT.