Colin Powell Throws Support Behind Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Retired U.S. Army General Colin Powell has thrown his support behind the repeal of the Congressional ban on homosexuals serving in the armed forces and the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The decision marks a major shift for Powell, who once strongly backed the ban and the policy as essential to maintaining troop discipline and morale.
“In the almost 17 years since the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ legislation was passed, attitudes and circumstances have changed,” Powell said in a statement released by his office. While admitting that his “principal issue has always been the effectiveness of the Armed Forces and order and discipline in the ranks," he added that the judgment must be made by “current military leadership,” along with the president and Congress....