Is the DOD Blocking DADT Repeal?

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network executive director Aubrey Sarvis has penned a open letter (PDF) to the president demanding that he stand by his State of the Union pledge to repeal DADT. Sarvis told the Advocate this weekend that Capitol Hill staffers are reporting that the Pentagon has asked Congress to put off a vote until their repeal implementation study can be conpleted.

Many were angered after the Department of Justice recently filed a brief defending the constitutionality of DADT. This is the time for your Administration to set the record straight. By including repeal in the Administration’s defense budget you will be sending a clear message to Congress and the American people that patriotic gay and lesbian service members – currently fighting and dying for our country in two wars ‐‐ are treated as equals to all their comrades‐in‐arms. I am very disturbed by multiple reports from Capitol Hill that your Congressional liaison team is urging some Members of Congress to avoid a vote on repeal this year. The upcoming House and Senate votes will be close, and very frankly, Mr. President, we need your help now. As a veteran, and on behalf of thousands of men and women who have served and want to serve their country openly, I ask you today to stand by your encouraging words to the American people in your State of The Union address: “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. It's the right thing to do.”