California Urges DADT Repeal

Following approval by the state senate, California's assembly has passed a resolution urging the federal government to adopt the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which would repeal "don't ask, don't tell" and require the military to adopt a sexual orientation nondiscrimination policy, reports the Mercury News.

After a lengthy debate, the assembly passed the resolution 51-17 on Thursday, and it is now headed to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Equality California noted in a statement that more than 24 other nations allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces.

Assemblyman Anthony Adam was among the Republicans to vote for the resolution. "We set one standard above all others that makes us a unique place in this world, and that is equal treatment," he said.

Fellow Republican Paul Cook, however, opposed the resolution, citing sexual tension and raging hormones among young people in the military.