House Members to Obama: Don’t Pursue

Timothy Kincaid

June 22nd, 2009

Although now generally known as “Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell”, the policy on gay servicemen signed into law sixteen years ago once also had a third don’t: “Don’t Pursue”.

Today 77 House Members (15% of the membership), including some in leadership, have requested that the President at least uphold the law as it was intended until DADT can be reversed:

The House lawmakers are asking Obama to direct the military leadership not to initiate any investigation of personnel to determine their sexual orientation and to instruct military officials to disregard any accusations made by third parties with the regard to sexual orientation of personnel.

“We request that you impose that no one is asked and that you ignore, as the law requires, third parties who tell,” the lawmakers, led by Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) wrote. “Under your leadership, Congress must then repeal and replace don’t ask, don’t tell with a policy of inclusion and non-discrimination.”

Not exceed the law by aggressively pursuing gay service personnel based on third party gossip? Hmmm, that sounds reasonable.

Let’s see how the President will respond.

jOHN

June 22nd, 2009

>> Let’s see how the President will respond.

…or not!

tavdy79

June 22nd, 2009

I think the Democrats are too comfortable playing “Find The Lady” with our civil rights. Of course that may change now the DNC’s had their pocket picked by the Mark…

Lindoro Almaviva

June 22nd, 2009

You mean to tell us that those people who were outed by 3rd parties and who were dismissed were discharged in direct violation of the don’t pursue section of the law?

Are you telling me that we have allowed the military to conduct a witch hunt among the ranks and nothing has been done about this?

Can someone clarify?

Emily K

June 22nd, 2009

Who the f*ck has been “asking,” anyway?? If gays haven’t been “telling,” how the hell have people been finding out? Someone is obviously “asking.” WHAT THE HELL?? Can legal action be taken for this violation?

Leonard Drake

June 22nd, 2009

I just want to know who the hell these “third parties” are anyway? Other soldiers of equal rank? Higher ranking officers? Spying soldiers doing “double-paying jobs” for right-wing political organizations intent on outing those soldiers honorably serving in the armed forces? As Emily K. noted above, I too am sure as f*ck hoping legal action can be taken against whomever or whatever organization(s) is/are discovered to be the third party/parties behind this travesty.

Jason D

June 23rd, 2009

I’ve often wondered how they’re able to ignore the “Don’t Pursue” part of the law?

And since we’re on the subject, isn’t it true that DADT(DP) isn’t the only obstacle?
I seem to recall there is a law or policy on the books that predates DADT(DP) that completely bars gays from serving period.

Since DADT actually allows gays to serve (under ridiculous restrictions) wouldn’t a repeal of DADT simply bring us back to a full ban on gays in the military?
I wonder why I never see that addressed? Seems rather crucial.

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