In Washington, the House of Representatives repealed the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy in late May by a vote of 234-194, The vote came hours after the Senate Armed Services Committee approved a similar measure to repeal the policy that prohibits service by out gays and lesbians.
The repeal will be allowed sixty days after a pentagon report, due by Dec 1, is filed on the ramifications of allowing gays to serve openly in the military if approved in the Senate too.
President Obama said, “I am pleased that both the House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee took important bipartisan steps toward repeal. Our military is made up of the best and bravest men and women in our nation, and my greatest honor is leading them as Commander-in-Chief. This legislation will help make our Armed Forces even stronger and more inclusive by allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve honestly and with integrity.”
Here in New Jersey, Ed Potosnak, the out and proud Democratic candidate for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, praised House members and said, “Today's votes in the House and Senate signal the beginning of the end of a discriminatory policy that existed within the ranks of our service men and women for far too long. This policy was implemented in 1993 under the guise of 'compromise,' but in reality, all it did was encourage prejudice and discrimination. Ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' promotes honesty and integrity, reduces costs, restores the otherwise lost military potential of LGBT service members, as well as the billions of dollars spent prosecuting gays in the military. This vote strengthens our military at a critical time."
Potosnak's support for the repeal of DADT is opposite that of his incumbent Leonard Lance, who voted against the measure. “Since going to Washington Leonard has changed, and this vote represents blind alliance with the conservative Republican leadership, no matter the policy, no matter the consequences, on this, and many of his votes, Leonard will be on the wrong side of history." Potosnak said.
Leonard Lance is a one term Republican in Congress representing the 7th Congressional District in New Jersey. Lance was considered a moderate Republican when he ran for office 4 years ago but has since become much more conservative in his voting record and in his campaign speeches than his working class district according to Democratic supporters including the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats.
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