A Senate bill to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy appeared headed for defeat Tuesday, a major setback for gay groups that saw the vote as their last chance this year to overturn the 17-year-old ban.
Advocates earlier were optimistic that the Democratic-controlled White House and Congress could overcome objections to the repeal of the law barring gays from serving openly in the military. The move is unpopular among Republicans, military officers and social conservatives.
But in the end, Senate Democrats were expected to fall at least one vote short of the 60 needed to limit debate and advance the legislation.
Sen. Susan Collins, Maine Republican, who was the only GOP senator to support repealing the law and was widely seen as the crucial 60th vote, announced Tuesday that she would not support the bill.
Now, gay rights advocates say they worry they have lost a crucial opportunity to change the law. If Democrats lose seats in the upcoming elections this fall, repealing the law will prove even more difficult — if not impossible — next year.
"The whole thing is a political train wreck," said Richard Socarides, a former White House adviser on gay rights during the Clinton administration.
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11 comments:
Since when is 56-42 a loss? Since the GOP decided that "up or down' votes do not matter when they are not the majority party.
The GOP approach is cowardly. The Democrats response to this is pathetic. In the end, everyone loses.
928-It's the dems who chose not to use the simple up or down vote. They wanted a 61 vote majority(which they knew they wouldn't get), so instead of just having an up and down vote(and this passing), they again chose the cowardly route. Blame the dems, they hold the keys.
Sure, becuase if the GOP had their way, DADT would be repealed today. I get it.
Republicans should listen to the generals on this matter, and support our troops.
Don't worry Sargent I have your rear.
Why isn't anyone mentioning an employment wall for illegals? Go after the people who hire them.
And why not just leave gays alone? If you are willing to pick up a rifle and die for your country, you should be able to do whatever you want in your bedroom.
Can someone create the "Common Sense Constitutional Party"? I'm ready to sign up.
@1131am
if repubs had their way, dadt WOULD be repealed simply because theyd be banned from the military anyway. hell, gays should be banned from public anyway - in most people's opinion. its a disease and we should be looking for a cure.
Where is the public outrage over this? I always hear anger about health care that it's wrong, socialist, unconstitutional, anti-American, Obama is a loud tribesman, Obama is hitler, blah blah,etc etc. Where is that same anger and frustration towards a government that says gays can not openly serve in its military? Why aren't people as fired up over an issue like this?
Rob s
Rob S, simple answers to these questions. THe party of "small government" likes to dictate your private actions. The party of "patriots" bashes individuals fighting on the front lines for our freedom then denies that soldier his/her freedom when they come home. The party of "Christians" believes in tolerance....of those who think exactly like them. Get off script, then you must be a "wet pants liberal socialist terrorist rhino communist out to destroy america". Is that clear now?
Homosexuality is a perversion and we should strive to have the healthiest Military we can both physically and mentally.
4:56 PM
Because we don't like them?
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