Congress LGBT

Dems Introduce Bill to Restore Records of Those Kicked Out Under DADT

Written by SK Ashby

This seems like obvious legislation that should have been passed long ago, but as is often the case in this Congress it is not that simple.

A group of congressional Democrats have introduced a bill to restore the service records of those who were kicked out of the military because they were gay.

"From the repeal of 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' to the Supreme Court's historic ruling on marriage equality, we have made great strides in the fight to end discrimination. But there is still more work to be done to protect and promote full equality and ensure we help right our past wrongs," [Senator Brian Schatz] said in a statement.

"Today, thousands of brave men and women who served our country are still denied the benefits and honorable service record they deserve," he added. "It's long past time we honor our commitment to all our service members and finally restore the dignity of gay and lesbian veterans who were unjustly discharged from our military."

As many as 100,000 service members may have been discharged because of their sexual orientation. I had no idea the number was that high.

In the unlikely event the Republican-controlled Congress agrees to pass this legislation, it seems equally unlikely to me that it will happen before the end of the year. There are only two weeks of session remaining before the Summer recess and the only bills the House is currently scheduled to vote on are bills involving coal regulation and genetically modified foods.

When Congress returns from recess in September, members will have just 10 legislative days to fund the federal government.

A similar bill that would have restored the records of gay veterans was introduced during the previous session of Congress but it did not receive a vote.