Law to Protect DADT Testifiers Introduced

A bill that would grant immunity to gay service members who testify before Congress on the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was introduced in the House of Representatives Wednesday.

Florida Democrat Alcee Hastings, author of the Honest and Open Testimony Act, says the legislation is essential to ensure that reliable and relevant witnesses can testify, reports theLos Angeles Times.

The bill would expand current whistle-blower protections to include all communications to members of Congress from active-duty service members, specifically those who disclose their sexual orientation.

Congress was expected to consider repealing "don't ask, don't tell," which bars openly gay personnel from serving in the military, in November, but the debate has been postponed until next year.

The bill currently has 27 cosponsors.