At a press conference June 22, at the offices of Equality Illinois, 3318 N. Halsted, U.S. Roland Burris, D-Ill., said that he opposes the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ( DADT ) policy and that the federal law should be repealed by Congress.
With veterans and their supporters standing behind him, Senator Burris addressed a press pool of about 20 people. "My main focus today is equal rights in the military," he said. "Many of those in the upcoming parade will be veterans of various wars. They deserve the same honor as anyone who'd put their lives, their careers and their families on the line on our behalf. Many may wish to choose military service in the future. They deserve the opportunity to do so with the respect and generosity of spirit and all the support courted to anyone who makes that honorable decision to serve this country."
With U.S. troops embattled in two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the senator's statement comes at a critical time for America's armed forces. DADT is the only federal law that requires an organization, like the military, to fire openly gay and lesbian people. And, in the last five years the military has discharged almost 800 mission-critical troops and at least 59 Arabic and nine Farsi linguists under DADT.
"Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' at least one individual per day, on average, is fired because they are gay or lesbian," said Rick Garcia, director of public Policy for Equality Illinois. "Almost 13,000 service members have been discharged since 1994," he added.
Indeed, the cost of DADT is taxing. In addition to losing valuable military personnel, the implementation of the law—and the investigations, prosecutions and discharges ( of soldiers for being gay or lesbian ) associated with it—has cost taxpayers more than $360 million by last count, according to a 2006 Blue Ribbon Commission Report.
"This is a priority that we must deal with sooner than later," proclaimed Burris. He's not alone. According to Dr. Nathaniel Frank, author of 'Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America', President Obama can halt the firing of gay and lesbian soldiers by using the "stop-loss" authority already granted to him by Congress.
In an essay written by Dr. Frank on the Palm Center's Web site, where he is also a senior research fellow, he explains that the "stop-loss" strategy, "Would actually be the wisest way to lift the ban permanently, as part of a one-two punch: Obama could suspend discharges using stop-loss and then, six months down the line, point to the success of openly gay service and ask Congress to repeal the policy once and for all."
When asked by Windy City Times if if he would personally urge Obama to use his "stop-loss" authority and issue an executive order, Burris replied, "My position is that we should use that authority. I've said it now publicly and hopefully he [ the President ] will follow it so we can stop the discharges of those persons. Let's hope that does take place."
For its part, The White House has been slow to proactively engage the DADT issue beyond voicing its support for repealing the law. Note: On May 13, Windy City Times reported that Obama sent a handwritten letter to a Chicago-area, lesbian soldier, saying that he was, "Committed to changing our current policy," on DADT.
On the issue of using "stop-loss" authority, however, the executive branch seems even less likely to engage, leaving some Obama supporters in the LGBT community wondering if he's actually going to be the "ferocious advocate" of gay rights he promised to be on the campaign trail.
Using the president's "stop-loss" authority to stop the discharge of gay and lesbian soldiers during wartime is, "not the way to seek any lasting or durable solution," to eventually repealing DADT, said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on May 15.
"It will take some time, but I'm encouraged by Sen. Burris' presence here today. He supports civil unions, he's a co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and he's been our ally for a long time. He has the ability to reach across the isle on this issue," said Garcia.
Burris does have "the ability" to influence key Senate Committee members on repealing DADT. "I happen to sit on three committees relevant to the equal rights of all people, including gays and lesbians in the military. I sit on Armed Services, Homeland Security and Veterans' affairs. I'm opposed to any unequal treatment of this particular population. I believe it is wrong strategically and I believe it is wrong based on America's principles," Burris said.
Of course, the June 22 press conference was not without its theatrics. Much controversy still surrounds the junior senator's alleged involvement in the pay-to-play Illinois Senate scandal. Reporters wasted no time pressing the issue, which made Burris visibly upset.
"I will not take any questions except those on this issue," Burris instructed, pointing at the audience, which consisted mostly of reporters. "Before I take any questions at all, know that I will only take questions about this issue." And, as if the floodgates had just been opened, a torrent of questions ensued.
One reporter asked, "Since you have, in fact, been vindicated, or at least the Sangamon County prosecutor has indicated that he's not going to pursue perjury charges, why not speak about this episode that maybe has past in your life? Not for the benefit of the press but for the benefit of the people of Illinois whom you serve?
"Aren't you an astute member of the media from Chicago Tonight, who I've known for many years … I told you I'm not going to talk about it," Burris said, clearly holding back his frustration. "Any other questions?"
There were. And before the senator could say any more, his aides whisked him toward the door to his awaiting town car. As he ducked into the front passenger seat he said, "God bless you and I'll see you at the [ Pride ] parade."
