Rally urges Ike Skelton to hold Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell hearing

Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton might have shifted uncomfortably in his seat last night, as President Barack Obama neared the end of his State of the Union. “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are,” Obama said. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Skelton doesn’t think so. At least, not according to a recent interview on C-SPAN.

In 1993, Skelton was a key player in drafting the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which asks gay and lesbian soldiers to stay closeted if they want to serve. The Missouri Democrat told “Newsmakers,” earlier this month that he is “personally not in favor of changing the law.” But more importantly, the chair of the House Armed Services Committee added, he won’t hold a hearing on DADT.

To show their discontent, a handful of activists and government officials rallied in Barney Allis Plaza this morning, just outside a rotary club meeting where Skelton was a guest.