Photo: AP
They are images Americans had never seen before. Jubilant young men and women in military uniforms marching beneath a rainbow flag in a gay-pride parade. Soldiers and sailors returning from deployment and, in time-honored tradition, embracing their beloved, only this time with same-sex kisses.
It's been a year now since the policy known as "don't ask, don't tell" was repealed, enabling gay and lesbian members of the military to serve openly, no longer forced to lie and keep their personal lives under wraps.The Pentagon says repeal has gone smoothly, with no
adverse effect on morale, recruitment or readiness. President Barack Obama cites it as a signature achievement of his first
term, and his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, says he would not push to reverse the change if elected in place of
Obama.
Some critics persist with complaints that repeal has infringed on service members whose religious faiths condemn homosexuality. Instances of anti-gay harassment have not ended. And activists are frustrated that gay and lesbian military families don't yet enjoy the benefits and services extended to other military families.
Yet the clear consensus is that repeal has produced far more joy and relief than dismay and indignation.
from
IANS
India, US in talks to prepare for PM visit
India and the US are in discussions to plan for PM Manmohan Singh's visit to America in the "near future".
from PTI
K'tka CM inducts S R Patil into ministry
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today expanded his council of ministers by inducting S R Patil, a former leader of opposition.
from IBNLive
'Lee was due to come home this weekend'
The family of the British soldier who was beheaded by two armed men outside a military barrack in Woolwich in London have expressed their sorrow and grief.
from
PTI
Dutt's third stint in Yerawada jail
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has started his 42-month sentence at Pune's Yerawada Central Jail.
from
IANS
The severe heat wave conditions in Andhra Pradesh have so claimed 84 lives from April 1, officials said.
from
PTI
US imparting training to Ind students: Pallam
Some prominent US educational institutions are imparting industrial training to students in India claims HRD Minister M Pallam Raju.
from
In.com
UK soldier beheading: Known facts
Here's a look at the key known facts about the Wednesday attack in south London, when two men hacked another to death near military barracks
