U.S. Defense Secretary Gates cautions that lifting gay ban will take time

[News_Editor]

U.S. Defense Secretary Gates cautions that lifting gay ban will take time

2010-12-19 05:34:26 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on Saturday welcomed the repeal of a controversial policy which bans openly gay, lesbian, and bisexuals from serving in the U.S. military. But he also warned that the change will take time.

The U.S. Senate on Saturday approved the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', which became official policy in December 1993 and restricts the U.S. military from efforts to discover or repeal closeted homosexuals. Openly gay, lesbian, or bisexuals are barred from the military under the policy.

"I welcome today's vote by the Senate clearing the way for a legislative repeal of the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' law," Gates said in a statement. "Once this legislation is signed into law by the President, the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this change carefully and methodically, but purposefully."

Gates said this effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, who is Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and himself a retired Marine Corps major general and infantry officer.

However, Gates cautioned that the change will not take effect immediately. Both Obama and the Pentagon first have to certify that lifting the ban will not adversely affect the military. "I will approach this process deliberately and will make such certification only after careful consultation with the military service chiefs and our combatant commanders and when I am satisfied that those conditions have been met for all the Services, commands and units," he said.

Gates added: "It is therefore important that our men and women in uniform understand that while today's historic vote means that this policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take an additional period of time. In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect."

Gates further said that successful implementation will depend upon strong leadership, a clear message and proactive education throughout the force. "With a continued and sustained commitment to core values of leadership, professionalism and respect for all, I am convinced that the U.S. military can successfully accommodate and implement this change, as it has others in history," he said.

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also welcomed the repeal and said it is better to change the policy through legislation than through the courts as it will allow the military to implement it in a responsible, deliberate manner.

"More critically, it is the right thing to do," Mullen said. "No longer will able men and women who want to serve and sacrifice for their country have to sacrifice their integrity to do so. We will be a better military as a result."

Obama is expected to sign the DADT repeal into law next week.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-12-19