Ending "don't ask, don't tell"

After 15 years of hypocrisy and oppression, the US military is finally moving to end its "don't ask, don't tell" policy prohibiting gays from serving openly (as opposed to secretly) in the military. Good. Unfortunately, it will need Congressional approval to overturn the ban, which leaves it subject to the whim of a minority of Republican party bigots, who are already gearing up for a fight. Which means it may be a while yet before the US joins the civilised world on this issue...