Opposition to gay and bisexual service
members serving openly has plummeted, a new poll has found.
The
Wall Street Journal/NBC poll released Wednesday shows 50
percent of respondents support ending “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” and
allowing gay troops to serve openly. The Clinton-era policy
prescribes discharge for gay service members who do not remain
celibate or closeted.
Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed
said they favor the current policy. Only 1 in 10 respondents said
gay troops should not be allowed to serve at all.
The findings show opposition has
plummeted over the past decade. In 2000, forty percent of Americans
supported allowing gay troops to serve openly, and thirty-four
percent favored the current military ban. Double the number of
Americans (22%) said gay troops should not be allowed to serve in the
military at all.
The results arrive on the same day
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and President Barack Obama agreed
to back a plan to reconsider repeal of the law after the Thanksgiving
break. Lawmakers are being pressured to act before Republicans take
over the House and increase their numbers in the Senate next year.