Congressional support for the military’s controversial ban on openly gay servicemembers is crumbling as an increasing number of politicians voice opposition to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Five lawmakers joined the 126 cosponsors of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (HR 1246) last week, including local U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Seventh Dist.).

Massachusetts Rep. Martin Meehan (D-Fifth Dist.) introduced the bill in February. It was referred to the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel in March.

Pennsylvania U.S. Reps. Bob Brady (D-First Dist.), Chaka Fattah (D-Second Dist.), Allyson Schwartz (D-13th Dist.) and Michael Doyle (D-14th Dist.) also support the bill.

Sestak told PGN he was prompted to cosponsor the bill when Meehan retired from Congress in May.

“This is something I’ve been supportive of since the beginning,” he said. “I’ve been focused on Iraq, but when Meehan moved on, it brought my attention to this bill.”

After serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy and retiring as a three-star admiral, Sestak is Congress’ highest-ranking veteran.

“We know that there are homosexual members of our military. How can we serve side by side with them and then tell them they don’t have equal rights?” he posed. “I’ve served with people who were dismissed because of their orientation, and we’ve lost some real quality. They were terrific and they did their duty. We want the best for our military. And those that claim that homosexuals will disrupt good order and discipline in the military are just wrong. Removing equal rights is wrong.”

The congressman added that lifting “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is an important part of basic human rights.

“Good leadership and understanding comes from recognizing individuals as equal, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation or gender,” he said. “This bill will be repealed, and I look forward to that day.”

Sharra E. Greer, director of law and policy for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an organization that works to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” said the support of Sestak and other new cosponsors signals HR 1246’s strength.

“Congress is steadily moving toward lifting the ban and welcoming lesbian and gay Americans who want to serve our country,” she stated in a press release. “Americans overwhelmingly support the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and value the contributions that gay troops bring to our armed forces. When it comes to capturing terrorists, deciphering intelligence and protecting our nation, sexual orientation is irrelevant. It is talent and skill that is paramount to our success at home and abroad.”

Casey Bell can be reached at casey@epgn.com.