GOP Presidential Candidates Defend 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Candidates Are Questioned by Openly Gay, Republican GeneralST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Republicancandidates for the 2008 presidential nomination expressed support this eveningfor the federal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law which bans openly lesbian, gay andbisexual personnel from the armed forces. The candidates were queried on thetopic by retired Brigadier General Keith Kerr, CSMR (Ret.), a member ofServicemembers Legal Defense Network's (SLDN) military advisory council who'came out' in 2003 and identified as a Republican voter. General Kerr servedfor 43 years in the military, including as Commanding General of the NorthernArea Command of the California State Military Reserve. His question was partof this evening's CNN/YouTube debate of Republican presidential contenders.

"I want to know why you think that American men and women in uniform arenot professional enough to serve with gays and lesbians," General Kerr askedthe candidates.

"Most Americans [who enter the military] are conservative and haveconservative values . . . and to force those people to work in a small, tightunit with someone openly homosexual and goes against their principles is adisservice," Congressman Duncan Hunter (D-CA) said in response. Senator JohnMcCain (R-AZ) also endorsed maintaining the law, saying that ". . . leadersalmost unanimously tell me that the present policy is working."

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee told Kerr that, "People have aright to whatever feelings and attitudes they wish, but when conduct putscohesion at risk, I think that is what is at issue. That is why we have thepolicy we have right now." Former Governor Mitt Romney, who acknowledgedsupporting open service early in his career, told the General he now opposesthat idea, saying that the law "has been there for 15 years and it seems to beworking." Romney added that he would listen to the counsel of militaryleaders in the future and "listen to what they have to say."

In response to the candidates, General Kerr noted that he did not believethey addressed his initial question, saying that, "Every day the Department ofDefense discharges two people, not for misconduct or issues of cohesion, butsimply because they happen to be gay."Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN, pointed to growing supportamong Republican voters, and some GOP lawmakers, for repealing the law."Republicans and Democrats alike should be able to agree that our nationalsecurity and military readiness are not partisan political matters," Sarvissaid. "Republican voters increasingly understand that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'deprives our armed forces of the talent and skills of patriotic Americans whohave important contributions to make to our national defense. Those voterswant leaders who will reach across party lines and build consensus to repealthis law."

A March 2006 Pew Research Poll found that 62% of self-identified moderateRepublicans support open service. A May 2005Boston Globe poll also foundthat "Large majorities of Republicans, regular church-goers and even thosewith negative attitudes toward gays think gays and lesbian should be able toserve openly in the military."

Republican Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Senate ArmedServices Committee, has also questioned the law, telling Joint Chiefs ChairmanMichael Mullen that she "recently met with a retired admiral in Maine whourged me to urge you to reexamine the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy." FormerRepublican Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming has also endorsed repealing thelaw.

"Despite the statements by candidates this evening, a growing majority ofAmericans in both parties want 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repealed," said Sarvis."Lawmakers should follow the public's lead and lift this ban."

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is a national, non-profit legalservices, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discriminationagainst and harassment of military personnel affected by 'Don't Ask, Don'tTell' and related forms of intolerance. For more information, visitwww.sldn.org.SOURCE Servicemembers Legal Defense NetworkSteve Ralls of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, +1-202-328-3244, ext.116, sralls@sldn.org