'Don't ask, don't tell' vote spurs talk on LI

Many were asked and many were telling their opinions of the U.S. Senate vote Saturday to repeal a 17-year policy banning gays in the military from declaring their sexual orientation.

"Anybody who's willing to serve should be given the opportunity. That's all lesbians and gays ever wanted," said Alan Van Capelle, born and raised in Commack, the former director of the Empire State Pride Agenda gay-rights group. "We'll get the opportunity to serve our country, only we get to do it with honor."

"Firing thousands from the military [for stated sexual preference] didn't make sense in 1993 and does not make sense today," Van Capelle said. "I don't think anybody has been able to make a rational argument against the repeal."

Others, however, say it is the repeal, not the current policy, that lacks rationale.

"There is no need, if you want to join the military, to reveal what your sexual preferences are - it's as simple as that," said Michael Long, chairman of the New York State Conservative Party.

"By doing away with 'don't ask, don't tell,' it's an announcement that a person can go to a recruiting station and say, 'I'm of a different sexual persuasion and I want to join the U.S. Marine Corps.' I don't see the validity."

"If a person is a homosexual and wants to join the service, why should he not join the service?" Long added. "Why does that person have to say they are a homosexual? . . . I think it's the militant homosexual community looking for acceptance of their lifestyle. I don't think it's helpful in any way. Every individual stands on their own two feet and their lifestyle is their lifestyle."

Robert Zimmerman, a Democratic National Committee member from Nassau, said he pushed for the party to support repeal early on.

"This is a great day for the U.S. military because this action enhances our national security as we honor the dedication and courage of gay and lesbian members of our armed forces - who served under great duress and pressure because of 'don't ask, don't tell,' " Zimmerman said.

Suffolk Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Huntington), who legally married his male partner in Connecticut in April 2009, said he was in communication with officials in Washington as the push went on for repeal.

"This is a clear example of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat," Cooper said of the Senate vote. "I'm glad today's margin of victory was as large as it was."