"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" might still be the law of the land, but that doesn't mean that Lady Gaga is keeping her mouth shut.
The "Alejandro" singer, who lobbied for the repeal of the law, which allows gays to serve in the military only if they remain closeted, has offered a statement on her official Web site after a 56-43 Senate vote blocked the law from being repealed on Tuesday. (Under Senate rules, 60 vote would have been required to move forward with the repeal.)
With obvious dismay, Gaga condemned the vote, but vowed not to abandon the fight:
"Today was an enormous DISAPPOINTMENT, for myself, and for many young American people. Not only because Don't Ask Don't Tell was not repealed by our Senators, but moreover because LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE is being abused to stop public business, public debates, from happening while America is watching. There was a debate today, we just didn't get to watch it. Instead, it has been customary now for antiquated procedures and partisan politics to take precedence over debate, America's needs, and today, sadly, over the needs of US troops. I will keep fighting, I will not give up. I am passionate about the rights of the LGBT Community and SLDN (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network) and I will continue to activate as many young people as I can, and encourage them to get politically involved in their future."
Don't Ask Don't Tell, which was enacted as a compromise in 1993, was ruled unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds by a California judge earlier this month, but the ruling did not have the effect of immediately overturning the law.
Do you agree with yesterday's Senate vote on the matter? Let us know in the comments section.
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