NEW : Amid wars , decision should not be hasty , Joint Chiefs chair says . The act would allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve in the military without concealing their sexuality . ` ` We can not afford to wait any longer '' to change policy , congressman says . President Clinton enacted law in 1993 after it was introduced by Colin Powell . Family of dead seaman says they believe he was killed because he was gay .
NEW : Amid wars , decision should not be hasty , Joint Chiefs chair says . ` ` We can not afford to wait any longer '' to change policy , congressman says . President Clinton enacted law in 1993 after it was introduced by Colin Powell . Family of dead seaman says they believe he was killed because he was gay .