California Assembly Approves Resolution Urging Congress to End DADT

The Navy Times is reporting that the California State Assembly voted 51 - 17 to approve a resolution on Thursday telling Congress and President Obama to pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the bill that would repeal the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy that prohibits Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual military personnel from serving openly.

Navy Times Reports:
“We set one standard above all others that makes us a unique place in this world, and that is equal treatment,” said Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Hesperia, who voted for the resolution.

Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego, said that he served in the Marine Corps for a decade, fought in the Iraq war, and saw the negative effects of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy directly.

“There is nothing in sexual orientation that affects their love of country, affects their patriotism, affects their commitment to their fellow Marines and servicemen of our great nation; and there’s certainly nothing that affects their ability to give their life,” Fletcher said. “It’s time to remove the barrier that stops some of our amazing individuals from serving openly.”

Opponents said the Legislature should focus on solving the budget crisis, not telling the federal government what to do.

Assemblyman Paul Cook, R-Yucca Valley, a Marine colonel, said that sexual tension and raging hormones are a big problem among young people in the military.

“Your job is to ... destroy the enemy,” said Cook, who voted against the resolution. “And in an infantry organization, you have a very tight-knit group, and you want to hold that together.”

Equality California, a nonprofit group that sponsored the resolution, said in a statement that more than 24 other nations allow gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve openly in their militaries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.

The resolution now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Join Us tonight for a free showing of "Ask Not", the PBS documentary chronicling the stories of gay and lesbian military service members who've been kicked out under the 17-year-old policy and some that are still serving. The film has been made available to Roanoke Equality by the Human Rights Campaign and will be shown tonight at Metropolitan Community Church in the downstairs meeting room. MCC is located at 806 Jamison Ave. SE, Roanoke. HRC's Terry McGuire will be on hand to lead a discussion group following the film. Free Parking. Free soft drinks and snacks will be available.

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