In the editorial pages of the Wall Street Journal today, Army Ranger sergeant and Iraq war vet Brian Hughes, makes the case that gays and lesbians have served honorably in the War on Terror, and presents a clear and cogent argument on why the Obama administration needs to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

I was a line infantryman in the Army’s Ranger regiment from 2000-04, earning a promotion to sergeant within three years. In that time, my platoon performed dozens of combat missions on the front lines. Our lives depended on complete mutual trust.

Several of my colleagues knew I was gay. We lived in the closest possible conditions. When there were showers, we showered together. When we were out overnight on the cold, bare mountains of Afghanistan, we slept huddled together for warmth. It should go without saying that there was nothing remotely sexual about these situations. We had uncomfortable experiences — we were at war, after all — but my buddies were never uncomfortable with me.

…

Today the strongest resistance to overturning “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” may not come from the military, which polls show mostly supports repeal, nor from social conservatives, who are not in power. Rather, there are many Democratic leaders and strategists who blame the issue of gays in the military for damaging the beginning of Bill Clinton’s presidency. They fear it could have the same effect on Mr. Obama.

The truth is that public opinion has moved dramatically on this issue. Public support for repeal consistently polls above 75% — well above Mr. Obama’s approval ratings. The fact that support is above 90% for men and women aged 18-29 should put to rest any worries that repeal could interfere with recruitment.

…

Here at home, every government service is integrated, including the paramilitary sections of the CIA that work hand in glove with the armed services. The presence of gays in these organizations is a nonissue. The idea that our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines would have any greater difficulty adjusting is an insult to their professionalism.

Democrats have an opportunity to burnish their national security credentials by strengthening the military. It’s time for Congress and the Obama administration to order the full integration of gays and lesbians in the armed services.

Hughes served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, and was awarded the Commendation Medal twice for his service. While serving he participated in the rescue operation that brought Jessica Lynch home. Hughes received an honorable discharge when he came out in 2004.

After the New Hampshire Senate voted 14-10 to approve revised  gay marriage legislation earlier in the day, the House 0f Representatives has now voted against the bill 188-186, taking issue with enhanced religious protections requested by Governor Lynch.

More from WMUR TV:

One House member who voted in favor of same-sex marriage but against the amendment was Rep. Steve Vaillancourt, R-Manchester. He said the governor’s amendment would create discrimination in a bill intended to bring equal rights to people. “This bill has nothing to do with gay marriage,” Vaillancourt said. “This bill is a homophobic bill put in by a governor who was backed into a corner, hoisted on his own petard. My job is not to get the governor out of his corner. My job is to do what’s best for society. It is not best to send a message across the country that we’re going to give gay marriage with lots of strings attached.”

The bill is now back in committee where the House will attempt to negotiate a compromise with the Senate.

As suspected the California Supreme Court delayed their ruling on Proposition 8 thanks to a last minute called place by San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom.

From Towleroad:

Confidential sources close to San Francisco City Hall told Towleroad’s Corey Johnson that the California Supreme Court was prepared to release its opinion on Proposition 8 tomorrow, but decided to delay the ruling after a call from Mayor Gavin Newsom.

“Newsom reached out to the Supreme Court and asked them to hold off releasing their decision so it did not coincide with the White Night riots,” said our source.

I’m glad at least that the mayor was cognizant of the timing of the ruling, which would have fallen on the 30th anniversary of the White Night riots. But what of the California Supreme Court… Didn’t they know? Or did they know their decision would cause celebrations, not mayhem?

UPDATE: Gavin Newsom’s office has issued a statement denying he contacted the California Supreme Court with regards to the Prop 8 ruling.

Move along. Nothing to see here. At least this week. From the court’s website:

May 20 2009 — No opinions were announced for filing on Thursday, May 21, 2009.
There is no pending notice of forthcoming opinion filings. When opinions are expected to file, notices are generally posted the day before. Opinions are normally filed Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.

The California Supreme is Court is taking its sweet precious time in delivering a ruling on Proposition 8. Time is running out for the court as they have to reach a decision before June 5. But considering a ruling tomorrow would have fallen on  the 30th anniversary of the White Night riots, and on the eve of Harvey Milk’s birthday , perhaps it’s wise for the court to wait at least another week.

When the ruling is finally announced, celebrations or protests are scheduled to occur throughout the state and across the nation. To find out about events that may be occurring in your area visit the DayOfDecision.com