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State Sen. Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer) Thursday introduced a resolution urging President Obama and Congress to effectively repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on the grounds that it is outdated, discriminatory and does a disservice to the country as a whole.

"In the year 2010, this policy is both archaic and suppressive and serves no legitimate good to our military or our country," Turner said. "Any brave individual willing to sacrifice his or her life to serve our country should not be subjected to this form of employment discrimination in the 21st century. I urge the president to make good on his promise and show the leadership necessary to corral Congress to act quickly to put an end to this policy."

The resolution notes that the military has successfully reduced racial and gender discrimination and integrated women and members of various races into its ranks, and putting an end to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' would help encourage an environment of unity within the military that will better protect the overall welfare and safety of our citizens and make our troops stronger in a theater of war.

The resolution also derides the military's policy as outdated and discriminatory because of its stance that "allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would compromise the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability."

The resolution will likely be referred to the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM