Gay rights update

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Failure: The Morning After:

The repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" stalled in the Senate Thursday over procedural roadblocks, diminishing the likelihood that Congress will resolve the contentious issue this year. Repeal will likely become more difficult once Republicans take control of the House next year.

Commentators who support repeal raced to the web immediately following the failed vote, voicing their frustration with Republican obstructionism, on-the-fence legislators' dithering, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's leadership, President Obama's legislative strategy, and the Senate's byzantine parliamentary procedures. Now, as the dust settles, public officials and advocacy groups are weighing in:

Failure to Repeal Puts U.S. Military At Mercy of Courts, Defense Secretary Robert Gatestells reporters on his plane, as he returns from a swing through Oman, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates. He urges Congress to act during the final week of the lame-duck session and explains that legislation will give the military enough time to prepare troops for a policy shift. The courts, meanwhile, might compel the military to make changes immediately, which could prove disruptive for combat forces.

Discharged Gay Veterans Sue Government For Reinstatement:

Three military veterans who were discharged under the law that prohibits gays from serving openly in uniform sued the government Monday to be reinstated and to pressure lawmakers to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law before a new Congress is sworn in.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco also seeks to have the ban on openly gay troops declared unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable for any service members.

"I don't feel like I'm going up against the military, I really don't. I just feel like this is a necessary step for doing away with this policy," said former Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Loverde. "I believe the military, the majority of troops I've served with, and those who have been studied to death are with us."