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Log Cabin Republicans Statement on the House Oversight Hearing on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Process

April 1, 2011

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans appreciate the remarks of Under Secretary of Defense Clifford L. Stanley and Director, Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Vice Admiral William Gortney regarding the successful progress of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal process. At the same time, Log Cabin is extremely disappointed that certain Congressmen chose to question the leadership and integrity of servicemembers' ability to successfully implement open service.

"As a combat veteran and current Army Reserve officer, I find it offensive that Congressman Allen West (FL) suggests political correctness would trump military order and discipline, as is the comparison of honorable gay and lesbian servicemembers to the dishonrable perpetrator of the 2009 Fort Hood assault," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "Congressman West's remarks were an unnecessary and unfortunate distraction from the valuable report by the Repeal Implementation Team. As expected, the repeal process is moving forward smoothly, with deliberation and purpose, and Log Cabin Republicans are pleased to hear that the Department of Defense considers midsummer to be an achievable timeline for certification. The message from today's House Armed Services Committee hearing is that military leadership is confident about the progress being made toward repeal implementation, that open service will not impact our ability to fight and win wars, and with leadership, professionalism, discipline and respect, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will end."