Pentagon to Comply With DADT Ruling

But don't 'come out' just yet, observers say
By Emily Rauhala,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 15, 2010 4:55 AM CDT
Pentagon to Comply With DADT Ruling
Lt. Dan Choi pushed for the repeal of DADT.   (AP Photo/Pool, Gloria Wright)

Gay service members are—for now—free to come out of the closet, though advocacy groups don't recommend doing so just yet. The Obama administration has asked to delay the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell," but the Pentagon says it will comply immediately with the court's order to stop barring gays from serving openly in the military, reports the Washington Post. "It is clear there is confusion, and this interim period is dangerous for service members," says a rep from a group supporting repeal.

Meanwhile, President Obama is taking heat from civil right campaigners for dithering. The request for a delay "is yet another shocking lack of leadership from the White House on issues of equality for the LGBT community," says one activist. (Click here to read about the case of former Maj. Margaret Witt and here to read why Robert Gates is worried about repealing DADT.)

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