By Jordan Heller
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New York officials and personalities were outraged Tuesday after Senate Republicans unanimously blocked legislation that would repeal the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy regarding gay soldiers.
"Every day, LGBT service members put their lives on the line to serve and protect our great nation," City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said in a statement Tuesday. "Asking them to lie about who they are is not what America is about."
Lady Gaga, who's been one of entertainment's most outspoken advocates of repealing the policy, called out Sen. John McCain on Twitter, asking the 2008 also-ran, "Why block debate?"
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who enjoys strong support from New York's LGBT community, called Tuesday's obstruction by Senate Republicans "wrong" and chastised Washington pols for allowing the military to turn away "thousands of America's best, brightest and bravest on immoral and unconstitutional grounds."
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer chimed in, too, issuing a statement denouncing Republicans for blocking debate on "Don't Ask Don't Tell," which he says "institutionalizes discrimination against gay men and women."
Senate Republicans blocked debate on the policy, which forces gay members of the military to keep their sexual identity a secret, despite the fact that top military leaders including Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen — as well as nearly 80 percent of Americans — are in favor of repeal.
Senate Democrats needed 60 votes to advance the legislation to overcome the Republican filibuster on Tuesday. After only managing to get 57, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid changed his vote to "no" at the last minute, which, in accordance with Senate procedures, will allow him to call for a revote.
The chamber is expected to do so after Dec. 1, which coincides with when a Pentagon study on the effects of repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell" is due.
