Updated: Wednesday, 01 Jul 2009, 6:52 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 01 Jul 2009, 6:46 PM EDT
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Tuesday that he's
looking for a "more humane" interpretation of the 1993 "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell" policy that prohibits homosexuals from serving openly
in the military.
It's a controversial policy that President Obama pledged to
overturn when he got into office. But he, nor congressional
leaders, have made made moves to repeal it.
David Axelrad, of Easthampton, told 22News that "I think it's
kind of sad that we ever needed it in the first place. It should
have never been an issue."
The law, as it's written now, would allow someone to be
expelled from the military even if a third party revealed their
sexual orientation.
Jeff Wheelock, one of the owners of Pride and Joy in
Northampton, told 22News that "I think it's unjust. I think if you
want to serve in the military, you should be allowed to serve in
the military." He added "I think a lot of people would be surprised
to know, if they found out, how many people have already served in
the military."
Other critics of the policy say that it's unfair that
convicted felons can serve in the military while those who are gay,
lesbian, or bi-sexual cannot serve openly.
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