Elaine Donnelly Argues Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in Congress

Today congress debated the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy which bans openly homosexual and bisexual citizens from serving in the armed forces. Among those supporting Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was Elaine Donnelly, the president of the Center for Military Readiness.

Elaine Donnelly, a long-time opponent of gays in the military, said that the majority (57-59 percent) of military personnel did not want homosexuals to be allowed to serve in the armed forces. She spoke of instances of homosexuals sexually harassing other soldiers and the possibility of "spreading HIV through the ranks." She spoke about an incident in 1974 in which a female soldier was sexually attacked by a group of lesbians.

Elaine Donnelly’s opponents called her to task on why homosexuals should be discriminated against when their sexual orientation doesn’t affect their service. They asked why a single incident from 1974 should result in the discrimination of an entire group of individuals. They cited a report that says that 15 percent of female soldiers reported being sexually abused by heterosexuals. 75 percent of the general public said that openly gay citizens should have the right to serve a Post-ABC poll said.

In order to repeal the law, bill needs 218 votes in the House and 60 votes in the Senate to avoid a filibuster

Sources: http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16306.html, http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_dontask_hearing_072308w/