Rep. Patrick Murphy (D., Pa.), an Iraq War veteran, is taking the lead on the House bill to overturn the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. As of Thursday, he had 153 co-sponsors, among them Rep. Joe Sestak (D. Pa.), who discusses the issue on today's Commentary page.

As Murphy tries to win over lawmakers, he'll make a threefold case: military necessity, a nation and military that are ready for the change, and basic justice.

"We're in the middle of fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," the Bucks County congressman said. "We can't afford to allow 13,000 soldiers to be thrown out - not for misconduct - simply for orientation. That's the equivalent of 31/2 combat brigades, and includes 60 Arabic translators."

Having served as a captain with the 82d Airborne Division in Iraq, Murphy is aware of the need for translators, and the foolishness of squandering such valuable assets.

He understands that proponents of the ban have concerns about morale and unit cohesion. But, he argues, Americans outside the military overwhelmingly support a repeal, and, more important, sexual orientation is not an issue for troops in the field.

"The people who wear the cloth of our country don't care about race, or color, or orientation," Murphy says. "We need to have full faith and confidence in these young Americans. Just tell them what the rules are, and they'll make it happen."

Murphy points out that if Britain, Israel, and more than 20 other countries can allow gays to serve openly, then the U.S. military can as well. "The American soldier is the best in the world," he said. "They can handle this."

Congress isn't the only arena in this fight. President Obama has promised to end the ban. Former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Colin Powell recently called for review of the policy. And Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he is looking for a "more humane way to apply the law," which would effectively allow some gays to serve. But change starts in the Capitol, Murphy argues. "We can't punt to the president or the courts," he says.

Though a repeal would represent a policy shift, it would actually reflect the fundamental values of equality and respect that are at the heart of the Constitution and the military, Murphy argues.

Rather than imposing a burden, the congressman says of the military, "We're asking them to do what's right for our country."

No doubt they will. But first, Congress must act.