Senate DADT Obstructionists Joined the Wrong Side of America's Civil Rights History

In blocking the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal, Senate Republicans continue to hide behind disingenuous national security claims. In the long run, Senate Republicans, who are keen to turn this into a political charade, can't stop reform.

When the top military brass, such as Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, favor a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," noting that a "solid majority" of service members say the repeal will have no negative impact, the deal is nearly done. They join the president and a majority of Americans who have rallied behind repeal and a federal judiciary that is likely to overturn the policy on its own.

Senate obstructionists have joined the wrong side of America's civil rights history. U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Philips declared the policy, and its deliberate exclusion of openly gay service members, a violation of the Constitution.

As an elected body, Congress has a great responsibility to move on a legislative repeal, without conditions. It is my hope that this discriminatory policy is ended soon. Whenever anyone serves our country, regardless of their race, sex, socioeconomic status, religion, or sexuality, we should honor and support their service, not force them to hide their identity in shame.

I am very disappointed that Senate Republicans failed to guarantee civil rights for those LGBT individuals who serve in our armed forces. As vice-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have ardently supported legislation that advances the rights of LGBT individuals, and I will continue to do so in the future.

Rep Honda is the vice-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.