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Log Cabin Republicans Criticize Obama Administration for backpedaling on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Law

Obama Administration and Democratic Leadership Break Promise to Gay Communty and Continue to Weaken America's Military Readiness

May 2, 2009

(Washington, DC)  – In the wake of the revelation that the White House website's section on civil rights has been changed to remove sections concerning its intention to repeal the controversial 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law, and other key equality passages, Log Cabin Republicans admonishes the Obama Administration and Democratic leadership for breaking its promises to the gay community and continuing to threaten America's military readiness by not moving swiftly and decisively on this matter.

"For too long, Democrats have courted the gay community with promises of equality and fairness," comments Terry Hamilton  – Board Chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans. "The apparent backpedaling by the White House on their promise to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is not only putting our military readiness in jeopardy, but is a slap in the face to gays and lesbians across the nation."

In August of 2007, then-Senator Obama stated that he supported the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. Up until several days ago, that commitment was reflected on the White House website. However, indications from senior White House and Democratic leadership signaled that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' legislation would be stalled indefinitely. In January, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel signaled that repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' would not be high on the priority list, although Obama was recommitting US troops to efforts in Afghanistan  – an area where some of the 12,000 DADT discharged troops would be needed most. On Thursday, April 23rd, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) announced that repeal legislation would not be on the Democratic agenda until next year at the earliest.

Log Cabin Republicans spokesman Charles T. Moran further comments: "President Obama criticized his own Party in August of 2007 for failing the test of ensuring freedom for dedicated gays and lesbians to serve openly and honorably in the Armed Forces. He is walking dangerously far down that same road and failing that same test himself."

"Between backpedaling on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and passing over qualified gay & lesbian public servants for senior administration & cabinet positions  – just in the first 100 days of his Administration - all gays and lesbians should question what President Obama's agenda really is for our community and for the defense of our nation," states Moran.

Log Cabin Republicans calls upon the United States Congress to swiftly pass HR 1283  – The Military Readiness Enhancement Act.