Times Embraces 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Repeal As 'Historic'
The Times marked repeal of the Clinton-era "Don't Ask Don't Tell" legislation preventing gays from serving openly in the military as "historic," comparing it to the end of racial segregation, in Sunday's front-page story by congressional reporter Carl Hulse, "Senate Repeals Ban Against Openly Gay Military Personnel."
Hulse often shows favoritism toward Democratic legislation in Congress and disdain for GOP priorities. His first five sources were in support of the repeal (he eventually provided numerical balance between pro- and anti-repeal sources) and the opening tone was one of restrained celebration.
The Senate on Saturday struck down the ban on gay men and lesbians serving openly in the military, bringing to a close a 17-year struggle over a policy that forced thousands of Americans from the ranks and caused others to keep secret their sexual orientation.
By a vote of 65 to 31, with eight Republicans joining Democrats, the Senate approved and sent to President Obama a repeal of the Clinton-era law, known as "don't ask, don't tell," a policy critics said amounted to government-sanctioned discrimination that treated gay and lesbian troops as second-class citizens.
Mr. Obama hailed the action, which fulfills his pledge to reverse the ban. "As commander in chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting force the world has ever known," Mr. Obama said in a statement after the Senate, on a 63-33 vote, beat back Republican efforts to block a final vote on the repeal bill.
The vote marked a historic moment that some equated with the end of racial segregation in the military.It followed a comprehensive review by the Pentagon that found a low risk to military effectiveness despite greater concerns among some combat units and the Marine Corps. The review also found that Pentagon officials supported Congressional repeal as a better alternative than an court-ordered end.
