Roland Burris Comes Out Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

This was probably buried under the all the pre-Pride hoopla and the recent tensions between gays and the White House: Roland Burris,(D-IL) the Senate's only black-member and the controversial replacement of President Barack Obama, comes out against the military's failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

The Chicago Free Press reports: "Burris said he chose to come out against the policy, which prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the Armed Forces, in celebration of Pride Week and the upcoming July 4 holiday. 'It’s time to promote unity and respect and progress,' the senator said. Burris called Don’t Ask Don’t Tell 'wrong strategically and wrong based on America’s principals,' noting the number of talented men and women discharged, particularly during wartime."

Burris was the first black elected to statewide office in Illinois. As Illinois Attorney General he was one of the first state officeholders to hire prominent openly gay staff.

Burris will not face perjury charges for statements made before the Illinois House impeachment committee.

Comments

[alicia banks]

rod thanks!

we need some good news from IL

peace
ab

[Otis]

I still think the Blagojevich appointment was tainted, but I give Burris credit for taking a progressive and bold stand. He also rode in the Chicago Gay Pride Parade last weekend and I got his pic.