A kinder, gentler ban?

A kinder, gentler ban?

San Jose Mercury News: Defense Secretary Robert Gates didn’t win any points by saying he wants to make the law prohibiting gays from serving openly in the armed forces “more humane” until Congress repeals it. Any time you admit a rule is inhumane, you lose moral justification for enforcing it at all.

The spotlight needs to be on Gates’ boss, however: President Barack Obama, who has the authority to get rid of the Clinton-era rule, pending action by Congress.

Gays always have served in this nation’s military, often with distinction. They serve openly in many other nations. Recent polls show 69 percent of Americans now support ending the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that has institutionalized hypocrisy and helped no one.

The president apparently fears the political backlash of a confrontation with Congress and some push-back from military leaders. But this is a civil rights issue. Obama has to show the courage of his convictions.

President Harry Truman ended segregation in the military after World War II, and the armed forces proudly paved the way for civil rights advances throughout the nation. It’s Obama’s turn to stand up for what’s right.