Missouri Senator Kit Bond joined his Republican colleagues and three Democrats yesterday in defeating a defense spending bill that would repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy allowing gays to openly serve in the armed forces. (Sen. Claire McCaskill voted in favor of the bill, as did Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Roland Burris.)
The bill would also have advanced the so-called DREAM Act, that provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who join the military or attend college.
Championing the repeal of DADT was pop star Lady Gaga, who this week held a rally in Maine in support of passage of the bill. Yesterday Gaga released a statement reflecting her disappointment with the Senate vote and resolve to continue on.
"I will keep fighting, I will not give up. I am passionate about the
rights of the LGBT Community and SLDN and I will continue to activate as
many young people as I can, and encourage them to get politically
involved in their future."
Somewhere, Pastor Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church is celebrating. Yesterday's Senate vote provided divine confirmation to his two favorite sermons: God hates "fags" and God hates Lady Gaga.
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