DADT Activists Put Boots in Senate Office

For the second day in a row on Friday, advocates for repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy took action in the U.S. Senate, this time leaving their combat boots in the office of Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia.

According to a news release, the group implored the Democrat not to introduce any amendments that would procedurally block the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." Activists included gay and lesbian veterans, a discharged service member, and members of GetEqual, H.E.R.O., and the Sanctuary Project.

The action aimed to recall a gesture from Webb on the campaign trail in 2006, when he wore his son's old combat boots every day in honor of his son and all those who defend the country.

"Senator Webb wore combat boots on the campaign trail every day in 2006 for, as the Senator said, ALL service members serving their country," said Robin McGehee of GetEqual in the news release. "We are here today to remind Senator Webb that all service members includes the thousands of gay and lesbian service members sacrificing their safety and security by serving honorably in our country's armed forces. We honor Senator Webb's direct action in 2006, to show his deep commitment and passion for his son and others defending our country. We have organized this action in solidarity with that vision, because we want the senator to truly honor the service of gay and lesbian service members by fully supporting the passage of the Defenese Authorization Act next week, which contains language to further the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell.'"

On Thursday activists interrupted a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to target Sen. John McCain for his threat to filibuster the "don't ask, don't tell" repeal in a vote next week.