Officers question 'don't ask, don't tell'

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Two retired U.S. generals have added their names to a growing list of veteran commanders publicly opposed to the nation's policy against gays in the military.

The "don't ask, don't tell" policy prohibiting gays and lesbians from revealing their sexual orientation while serving in the U.S. military ought to be repealed, said Brig. Gen. JD Johnson and Brig. Gen. Phil Peay, both of Utah.

In all, 28 retired generals and admirals signed the letter asking Congress to repeal the 1993 policy approved by then-President Bill Clinton, The Deseret Morning News reported Tuesday.

The letter cites "scholarly data" on how 65,000 gays and lesbians are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces, with another 1 million gay veterans living in the United States.

A Stars and Stripes article reported that since the law's inception, more than 10,000 people have been "removed" from the U.S. military.