'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Gone in 2010: Frank

Architect of military's gay ban says times have changed

(NEWSER) - Colin Powell says he supports efforts to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Powell, who proposed the policy as a compromise in 1993 while serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says he "fully" backs the plan outlined by defense chief Robert Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, who seek to allow gays to serve freely. More»

Conn. independent has opposed policy on gays in military since '93

(NEWSER) - After President Obama's pledge this weekend to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the White House turned immediately to key senators on the Armed Services Committee—in particular Joe Lieberman. A House bill to repeal the policy has 177 sponsors, but the White House is eager for Senate legislation with bipartisan support. "We are talking directly to the Hill," said John Berry, the White House's director of personnel and the administration's highest ranking gay member. More»

(NEWSER) - A persuasive essay arguing against the military's ban on gay soldiers is raising hope among activists that a watershed moment is near. It's not so much because of the essay's familiar arguments—that "Don't Ask Don't Tell" hurts morale and violates civil rights—but because of its publication in a widely read Pentagon journal. "We think it is significant—a breakthrough moment," one opponent of the policy tells NPR. More»

Rep. Murphy steps in as bill's sponsor

(NEWSER) - The battle to ditch the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays is being led by the first Iraq veteran to serve in Congress, the Los Angeles Times reports. Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy has taken over as sponsor of a bill that would allow gays to openly serve in the military, and the party hopes the Bronze Star recipient will rally enough support to bring it to the House floor. More»

Could prove a political headache for Obama

(NEWSER) - The controversy that derailed Bill Clinton’s first 100 days is heading for Barack Obama, Politico reports, with a California congresswoman to introduce legislation today to overturn the ban on gays serving openly in the military. Obama has made no secret of his desire to overturn the unpopular “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy Clinton devised, but prefers to focus on the economy. More»