Thaindian News

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roland Burris and four of his Senate colleagues will unveil a legislation to repeal the seventeen-year old, discriminatory policy “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”, Senator Burris’ office announced.

Senator Burris along Senators Joseph Lieberman, Carl Levin, Kristin Gillibrand and Mark Udall, will introduce the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, a bill which will establish in the Armed Forces a policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation.

The policy, established in 1993, bans gays, lesbians and bisexual people from serving openly in the United States military. Approximately 14,000 service members have been discharged and several more decided not to join the armed services due to the ban.

“For too long, gay and lesbian service members have been forced to conceal their sexual orientation in order to dutifully serve their country. With this bill, we will end this discriminatory policy that grossly undermines the strength of our fighting men and women at home and abroad,” said Senator Burris.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act stipulates that the Department of Defense may not discriminate or discharge current service members or future military recruits based on their sexual orientation. It is estimated that 65,000 gay Americans serve in the military at this moment.

“This legislation will ensure that all gay and lesbian soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines can serve their country openly and proudly without the threat of prejudice or discharge.”

In recent weeks, several political figures such as President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen have expressed their desire to see the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy repealed.