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Sunday 11 October 2009

Being gay in the military is a go-go - when?

So, on the day of a major march through Washington by gay rights protesters, Nobel Peace Prize winner President Barack Obama announces his intention to lets gays serve in the US Military and that he will scrap the "don't ask, don't tell" policy which currently exists and therefore allows gays and lesbians to serve their country.

Though he has not set out any timeline for this, so I am somewhat sceptical about the timing of this announcement given the timing of the march!

Mr Obama asked the audience at the lesbian and gay fundraising dinner to trust his administration.

He went on to say; "I appreciate that many of you don't believe progress has come fast enough. Do not doubt the direction we are heading and the destination we will reach".

Barack Obama has been criticised for not delivering on his election promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits how local and federal bodies can recognise gay partnerships and determine benefits.

In his speech at the dinner, President Obama did call on Congress to repeal the act and he also called for a law that would extend benefits to domestic partners.

I believe a President, Prime Minister or political party is judged on results not on the content of good speeches.

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