It's been 16 years since "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" became law. But, as our Curtis Schick reports, there are signs that a repeal of the law that prevents homosexuals from openly serving in the military could come soon.
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wants Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed. The law prevents openly gay men or women from serving in the military. She says it has forced thousands of military personnel out. Many who were trained specifically for the war on terror.
"The policy has been in place for 16 years, and over the 16 years we have lost some of our most ablest, best and brightest," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
2009 could be the year for it to go. Even as some of President Obama's military advisors have asked for patience, and a group of Gay Republican’s has blasted the President for dragging his feet, President Obama says he's keeping his campaign promise.
"I am working with the Pentagon, the House of Representatives, and the Senate on ending this policy," said President Barack Obama on Saturday while addressing the Human Rights Council.
Other signs that a repeal could happen are out there. An essay published last week in the military journal Joint Force Quarterly questions Don't Ask Don't tell's effectiveness. Among other things, the article claims "there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that unit cohesion will be negatively affected if homosexuals serve openly." Still, the power is with Congress, it will ultimately decide law's fate.
"We have a program that is working in the military it has been effective and accommodating for the last 15 to 16 years," said Senator Saxby Chambless of Georgia.
"We have two wars we are fighting. We need our full complement of men and women to serve," said Gillibrand.
Senator Gillibrand said hearings regarding Don't Ask, Don't Tell could happen as soon as the end of November.