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Vets, Activists Fight 'Don't Ask'

Gay rights groups assail longstanding policy

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2007 5:21 PM CST
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(Newser) – A gay rights coalition marked today, the 14th anniversary of the enactment of “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” with a renewed push against the law. Activists planted 12,000 American flags on the National Mall to commemorate the troops discharged under the policy and sent an open letter to Congress signed by 28 retired generals and officers urging its repeal, the Army Times reports.

Advocates point out that many of the personnel discharged under the policy, which permits gay men and lesbians to serve only if they conceal their sexual orientation, had critical skills. For example, more than 300 translators have been discharged. In statements, the Pentagon said its hands were tied by the law, and the military “will follow congressional direction on homosexual conduct.”

With the Washington Monument in the background, American flags are seen on the National Mall in Washington, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, to mark the 14th anniversary of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law which allows gay men and lesbians to serve in the military but only if they kept their...
With the Washington Monument in the background, American flags are seen on the National Mall in Washington, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, to mark the 14th anniversary of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law which...   (Associated Press)
c Andrew Chapin of New York City, takes part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 26, 2007, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy regarding gay soldiers. November 30th, the 14th anniversary of the law, has seen a renewed push for...
c Andrew Chapin of New York City, takes part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 26, 2007, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding...   (Associated Press)
Brad Howard, of Van Buren, Ark., an intern with the Human Rights Campaign, straightens fallen flags on display on the National Mall in Washington, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, to mark the 14th anniversary of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law which allows gay men and lesbians to serve in the...
Brad Howard, of Van Buren, Ark., an intern with the Human Rights Campaign, straightens fallen flags on display on the National Mall in Washington, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, to mark the 14th anniversary of...   (Associated Press)
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Protests mark 14th anniversary of military's homosexuality policy
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A new push for gay and lesbian military acceptance
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