December 14, 2010

Two Jewish groups expressed regret at the U.S. Senate\’s failure to repeal the military\’s \”don\’t ask, don\’t tell\” policy on gays. A repeal of the policy, which requires the discharge of gay servicemen and servicewomen who reveal their orientation, was attached to a defense spending bill. It failed Dec. 9 on a procedural vote to garner the 60 votes needed to advance to debate. \”The military’s code of honor is tarnished when service members are required to lie about their identity,\” the Reform movement\’s Religious Action Center said in a statement. \”And as people of faith, we are pained by this affront to the dignity of those in uniform, each of whom, gay or straight, embodies the spark of the Divine presence in every person, and each of whom should be a source of pride for all Americans.\”