PHILIP ELLIOTT
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – Gay rights groups are urging quick congressional approval of a proposal to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the military while allowing the Pentagon to continue its review of how to implement the new policy.
“Without a repeal vote by Congress this year, the Pentagon’s hands are tied and the armed forces will be forced to continue adhering to the discriminatory ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ law,” says Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.
Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Pa., an Iraq war veteran, is expected to introduce the legislative proposal Tuesday. A vote could come as early as Thursday.