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san diego
Commission supports repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’
City Council is asked to support
Published Thursday, 23-Apr-2009 in issue 1113
The Human Relations Commission has unanimously agreed to seek support from San Diego’s mayor and City Council for a bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the federal policy that disallows GLBT military from serving openly.
On April 16, the Human Relations Commission, led by City Commissioner Nicole Murray-Ramirez submitted a memorandum asking the mayor and City Council to support H.R. 1238, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.
On April 15, the Human Relations Commission voted with 10 committee members present, one absent and three excused to support it.
“It was giving them facts [to] make an informed decision whether they would make a recommendation to support the bill that’s currently in Congress to repeal the ban on serving openly and replace that law with a non-discrimination clause,” retired Col. Stewart Bornhoft said.
Col. Bornhoft gave the presentation urging the commission to support the bill.
“I was anticipating there might be some challenging questions,” Col. Bornhoft said. “To my surprise and delight, all of the questions recited anecdotal evidence of why the law should be repealed.”
According to Nicole Murray-Ramirez, Human Relations Commission chair, Bornhoft’s presentation inspired support from the commission.
”After 40 years [of working in politics], I’m used to presentations and PowerPoint,” Murray-Ramirez said. “His was outstanding; it was brilliant. He covered every issue that you could want to ask about.”
According to Murray-Ramirez, Bornhoft covered reasons to support the repeal but also reasons against supporting it.
“He made a case for it, but also those arguments against lifting the ban,” Murray-Ramirez said. “We wrote it [the memorandum] that night. The next morning it was on the desk of the mayor and eight city council members.”
The next step in the process involves presenting this information to the city council to ask for support. According to Murray-Ramirez, District 3 Councilmember Todd Gloria will present the commission’s recommendations to the City Council within the next couple of months.
“Our intention is to respond to the Human Relations Commission’s motion which I understand is requesting a position on the issue of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’” Gloria said. “Given our community’s close ties to our military and having San Diego weigh in on this matter is important. I understand that the HRC has taken that action and requested the council to weigh in. I’d be happy to try and facilitate that.”
While Gloria did not see Bornhoft’s presentation, he has seen similar presentations. Gloria said he is not surprised that the Human Relations Commission responded favorably. Gloria supports the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and was pleased by the results.
“I served as the military affairs liaison for a member of Congress,” he said. “In that capacity, [I saw] the effects that this had on our military readiness. I [agree with] repealing ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ for reasons of equality but, more importantly, for military readiness. I’m hopeful we will see a day where “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is no longer a part of our nation’s policy.”
Murray-Ramirez also remains hopeful that City Council will support the measure.
“This is the first time in the history of San Diego that we’ve had six Democratic council members,” Murray-Ramirez said. “The two Republicans are progressive, moderate Republicans. I’m optimistic and hopeful that all six will vote in support,” he continued.
Col. Bornhoft is similarly optimistic.
“The aspects of fairness and justice are not owned by any one party,” Colonel Bornhoft added. “Whether you’re a conservative or progressive, whether you’re a Republican or Independent, or affiliate with some other party, [those aspects] identified within the Constitution apply to all.”
San Diego remains the last major city in California to support H.R. 1238. “[It] is really important that San Diego should’ve taken a stand long ago,” Murray-Ramirez said. “[San Diego is] one of the largest military cities, and has not only an active GLBT military but veterans.”
Gloria said the legislation has been in the House for what is considered a short time.
“I think progressional legislation takes a long time to become enacted, and a part of that process is garnering support. What you’re seeing here is our local LGBT veterans are gaining more support,” he said.
According to Murray-Ramirez, there is hope that Bornhoft will show his presentation to City Council. Bornhoft said he would be available if asked.
“I’m sure once it is docketed, those opposing it will come out, and it should be an interesting council meeting,” he added.
Murray-Ramirez, Human Relations Commissioner Les Williamson, a retired Captain from the Marines, Gary D. Lynn, a retired Navy captain, Mary E. Alcock, who served in the US Navy, Ashley L. Walker, executive director of the Human Relations Commission, Ngiep C. Le, Gracia Molina de Pick, Teresa Oyos, Susan Hawk, and Joyce Singer Abrams all signed the petition.
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