SAN DIEGO (AP) — A congressman wants the Navy to name a ship after slain San Francisco gay rights activist Harvey Milk.
Congressman Bob Filner, a San Diego Democrat, says naming a ship after Milk would be a great tribute to Milk, who served as a Navy officer in the 1950s.
Milk was shot to death on Nov. 27, 1978, while serving as a San Francisco supervisor.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Filner says naming a ship after Milk would promote equality in the military after the recent repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Filner is a candidate for San Diego mayor.
The Los Angeles Times says Filner has pledged to continue his work with San Diego's gay, bisexual and transsexual community to promote Harvey Milk's legacy.
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Information from: Los Angeles Times
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
