'Don't ask, don't tell' examined

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A House panel weighed overturning the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy Wednesday, the first time Congress has considered the rule since it was implemented 15 years ago.

The policy, mandated by Congress in 1993, allows gay and lesbian individuals to serve in the armed forces so long as they do not publically engage in homosexual behavior. It also prevents military leaders from asking a service member about his or her sexual orientation.

Rep. Susan Davis, the California Democrat who chairs the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee that held a hearing on the policy, said, "Many Americans who happen to be gay or lesbian want to answer our nation's call to service, and allowing them to serve in an open and honest manner would uphold the ideals of military service."

The panel is considering a bill authored by Rep. Ellen Tauchser, D-California, that would repeal the law.