Following the lead of municipalities such as New York City, Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney of the 44th Ward introduced a resolution asking Congress to pass the Military Enhancement Act of 2005, according to a press release from the politician’s office. If passed, the measure would end the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy that was enacted in 1993.
To date, over 10,000 men and women have been discharged for violating the policy. In the statement, Tunney said that he believes that ‘it’s appropriate for the council to take a stand to end discrimination of this sort.’
The resolution has been referred to the Committee on Human Relations, where it has the backing of chairman Billy Ocasio. Twenty-six City Council members have signed on to support the measure, including Jorge Cardenas, 12th Ward; Richard Mell, 33rd Ward; Helen Shiller, 46th Ward; Burton Natarus, 42nd Ward; and Mary Ann Smith, 48th Ward.