Jewish groups urge repeal of ‘don’t ask’

A coalition of 10 major Jewish organizations led by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs is urging Congress to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” military policy.

“We believe this policy is unjust and becomes an anomaly among western nations,” the May 25 letter to Congress said. “Advanced militaries throughout the world, including many of our NATO allies and Israel, allow gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel to serve openly. It is time for the United States to repeal the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ and we encourage you and colleagues to act swiftly.”

In addition to JCPA — which adopted a resolution this year establishing the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” as one of the organized Jewish community relations community’s top priorities — the letter was signed by the American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League, B’nai B’rith International, Jewish Labor Committee, Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, National Council of Jewish Women, Union for Reform Judaism and United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

“Since the implementation of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ public opinion on this issue has changed dramatically,” the letter said. “In 1994, only 44 percent of the Americans agreed gay and lesbian service members should be allowed to serve openly. Today, 75 percent of Americans, a majority of both Democrats and Republicans, believe openly lesbian and gay citizens should be able to serve in the U.S. military.” — jta