LGBT Center Talks Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal

STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY- Jeremy LaMaster is a senior at Penn State but he first wanted to join the military. LaMaster said, "When I graduated from high school the Armed Forces was something I really like looked as an option, but essentially what dissuaded me from joining the Armed Forces was don't ask don't tell. Since I am gay I didn't want that to be an issue or problem." He is no longer considering the military. He is active with LGBTA Student Association at the University and says the recent vote by the House to repeal don't ask don't tell is a victory. " I feel like repealing this definitely opens the door to the Armed Forces being more open and accepting and being a better experience for a lot of individuals," He said. The 234 to 194 vote by the House was a second yes to ending the policy, before that, the Senate Armed Forces Committee voted to approve it 16 to 12. Opponents in Washington responded. Arizona Senator John McCain said, "We need to thoroughly review the effectiveness on the men and women in the military. This action cuts the men and women of the military completely out of the process." For Jeremey, he hopes if passed open gays and lesbians struggling to choose school or the military can now make the decision they want. " When it comes to college education it's very expensive, and so it kind of again, didn't seem like it was worth it . It stinks, just sort of that opportunity being taken away from you,"LaMaster said. Next month the full Senate will vote on the policy.