N.J. Congressman supports repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”

The House of Representatives voted on Thursday to reverse a 17-year ban known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

The U.S. Congress is headed toward a historic vote on whether to allow gays to serve openly in the military. The House of Representatives voted on Thursday to reverse a 17-year ban known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

The legislation is considered a compromise struck with the White House and agreed to by the Defense Department. It would give the military as much time as it wants before lifting the ban.

South Jersey Democratic Congressman John Adler’s district includes Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base.  Adler says it’s time to reverse a policy that led to more than 13,000 dismissals over the last 17 years.

“People qualified, prepared and trained to protect us and they were already kicked out of the military,” says Adler. “I think that was a mistake. I think, in a time of war, or even in a time of peace, we should let those Americans serve us and serve us ably and admirably.”

Pentagon officials say they want to study the new policy to make sure it won’t impact the military’s ability to fight. Adler says he’s confident the Pentagon will lift the ban.