NYC and West Hollywood, Calif., officials call for repeal of military ban

City council members in New York City and West Hollywood, Calif., have passed resolutions calling on the federal government to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," the military's ban on lesbian, gay, and bisexual service personnel. On May 11 the New York city council voted in favor of Resolution 438, introduced by council member Alan Jay Gerson "It is long overdue for the council to speak out about this unfair and discriminatory policy," he said. "Lesbians and gay men have served in the military for the entire history of our country, and they should be allowed to serve openly." On May 18 the West Hollywood city council approved language supporting a statewide resolution currently pending in the California state legislature. That resolution was introduced in April by Sen. Christine Kehoe. The state resolution, which is sponsored by Equality California, will be debated at a June 7 hearing in Sacramento. "Communities across the country are beginning to realize the impact the military's gay ban has on their security, safety, and well-being," said C. Dixon Osburn, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. "Community leaders in New York and West Hollywood are taking historic stands against discrimination at the federal level."