The attempt to repeal the 17-year-old law that only lets gays and lesbians join the army if they hide their sexuality was blocked -- even from being discussed -- in the US Senate last week.

Gay rights groups, supported by pop star Lady Gaga, campaigned strongly for repeal of the notorious "don't ask, don't tell" policy, arguing that it was an unconstitutional violation of the right to free speech. Under the law, 13,000 soldiers have been discharged from the military since 1993.

In 1993, the year the law was passed, the comedian Bill Hicks satirised army bigots and gave his own view of America's wars.

This video of Hicks's legendary sketch contains very strong language.