WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. military's controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays and lesbians in the armed forces will get a congressional hearing, a lawmaker says.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said Monday that the Senate Armed Services committee will hold a hearing on the policy in the fall, although no specific legislation regarding "don't ask, don't tell" will be under consideration, CNN reported.
Gillibrand, in a written statement, said the policy is "an unfair, outdated measure that violates the civil rights of some of our bravest, most heroic men and women. By repealing this policy, we will increase America's strength -- both militarily and morally."
"Don't ask, don't tell" was introduced in 1993 by President Bill Clinton in a bid to loosen restrictions on gay men and lesbians serving in the military. Critics, however, say it does not go far enough in ensuring that homosexuals can serve in the military, CNN said.
Gillibrand said nearly 13,000 armed forces members have been dismissed from the military since 1993 for their sexual orientation.
