U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida (D-Miramar) wants to give gay service members the ability to testify before Congress without fearing they will be discharged under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
A bill that would grant immunity from the policy was introduced in the House Dec. 2. It would prohibit retaliatory personnel actions against those who reveal their sexual orientations during congressional hearings. Congress is expected to consider next year repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on gays serving openly in the military.
Hastings says the law is needed to ensure that reliable and relevant witnesses can testify. The bill so far has 27 co-sponsors.
