Earlier today, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced changes to the enforcement of the US military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. He said at a Penragon news conference: "I believe these changes represent an important improvement in the way the current law is put into practice, above all by providing a greater measure of common sense and common decency for handling what are complex and difficult issues for all involved."
The changes, which will go into effect immediately, limit third-party outings exclusively to other service members. This measure is intended to prevent resentful ex-partners, neighbors or other individuals from outing someone. It's also been said that evidence must be based on firsthand knowledge, rather than hearsay or sexual conduct occurring prior to a soldier's service. Statements made to chaplains, doctors, psychologists and other health professionals will be kept strictly off limits.
This is great and all, but what about a full repeal of the policy? Don't get too excited yet. Gates doesn't support a full repeal of the law until the "full review" is completed. Click through to watch a clip from the press briefing.
– Dewitt
To watch the video, follow the JUMP:
Rome wasn’t built in a day. I have a feeling this is just a preliminary judgement, to test the waters as it were. I’m hopeful that we can get past this. And, remember this, Gates is Republican. Giving back what was taken by a Democrat…stranger things have happened
Awesome! One step closer for us
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Umm, I did not hear ex-overs etc listed, rather “creditable sources,” meaning third hand hearsay. This was from a CNN interview with Gates. So you may want to check your listing of who can not report, as legally an ex-lover et.al. would surely be a creditable person. Yes Gates is republican working for a democratic boss who is obviously not pushing his employee for a better policy! Obama is not going to change anything, but rather he will just keep using tactics from various chapthers in Rules for Radicals.