gays

Robert Gates Asks Congress to Hold Off on Repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

In a letter to the House Armed Services Committee’s chairman, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he is “strongly opposed” to repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell” until the military completes a review of how it will impact the force.


I hope Congress will not do so, as it would send a very damaging message to our men and women in uniform that in essence their views, concerns and perspectives do not matter on an issue with such a direct impact and consequence for them and their families,” Gates wrote in the letter.

The White House came out in support of Gates, saying in a statement, “this is not a question of if, but how [’don’t ask, don’t tell’ will be repealed].” It’s also a question of when. In his State of the Union address, President Obama said he would work to repeal the law this year. But the military review is set to be completed in December, which pretty much assures “don’t ask, don’t tell” will live on to 2011. Or, if you ask this guy, 2013.


Gates against changing ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ until review
 [CNN]

Robert Gates Asks Congress to Hold Off on Repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’