Perhaps the most telling aspect of this is the final margin – 65 to 31 – and the eight Republican senators who voted for repeal.
The evidence has been growing for months, and this is the most conspicuous result so far: some Republican politicians are realising that homophobia is no longer a sure vote-winner, and may be willing to come down on the side of justice/or common sense.
Legislation was passed in Congress not in spite of including pro-gay portions; it was passed specifically in support of our civil rights. This item will be the tipping point that vastly accelerates our community.
This has huge implications for the prospects for advances on gay marriage/civil unions next year, notably in New York and Colorado.
Obama to sign law ending military gay ban
The Associated Press – ?8 minutes ago?
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a historic vote for gay rights, the Senate agreed on Saturday to do away with the military’s 17-year ban on openly gay troops and sent …
Six Republicans push ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ over the top
Politico (blog) – Shira Toeplitz – ?24 minutes ago?
Scott Brown and Lisa Murkowski are among the Republicans who voted to end debate. | AP Photos Close By SHIRA TOEPLITZ | 12/18/10 2:24 PM EST Updated: …
Senate votes to repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Washington Post – Ed O’Keefe – ?35 minutes ago?
After the House voted to repeal the policy in mid-December 2010, the Senate took on the issue in an unusual Saturday session. By Ed O’Keefe The Senate voted …
U.S. Senate acts to end military ban on gays
Reuters – ?36 minutes ago?
WASHINGTON Dec 18 (Reuters) – A majority of the US Senate on Saturday voted to repeal the ban against gays serving openly in the US military. …
Senate Votes To End Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Huffington Post – ?47 minutes ago?
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted 65-31 on Saturday to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, defeating a 17-year policy of banning gay and lesbian service members from …
Senate repeals ban on gays openly serving in military
CNN International – Ted Barrett – ?48 minutes ago?
By the CNN Wire Staff Washington (CNN) — The military’s prohibition of openly gay people serving within its ranks is one step closer to ending, …
Senate votes to repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Los Angeles Times – Lisa Mascaro, Michael Muskal – ?52 minutes ago?
The 65-31 vote means gays and lesbians will be able to serve openly in the military without punishment after President Obama signs the bill. Sen. …Related articles
- Two Very Different Perspectives on the Military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy (The Wild Reed)
- The Arc of history (Andrew Sullivan)
- Gay Soldiers? Role Models, at the Foundation of Democracy.(Queers in History)
- Gays in the Military: Japan (Queers in History)