Would President Barack Obama address the issue of the military’s anti-gay “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when he delivered his first state of the union address tonight? And if he did, how far would he go?
Those were the questions national LGBT activists were asking in the days leading up to the president’s speech tonight. The answers? Yes — and no.
The man who during his campaign described himself as a “fierce advocate” of the LGBT community tonight once again called on Congress to repeal DADT. But he didn’t say anything about suspending discharges under the policy until it can be repealed. And he didn’t set any deadline for addressing the issue.
“This year I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. It’s the right thing to do,” the president said.
His statement drew a standing ovation from Congress and Defense Secretary Robert Gates. But many LGBT activists were not impressed.
Richard Socarides, an advisor to former President Bill Clinton – the man who signed DADT into law – told The Washington Post that just talking about ending the ban “without a moratorium on the witch hunts and expulsions and without even a plan for future action just won’t cut it. Look, we are not second-class citizens and our rights are not second-term problems.”
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said: “The time for broad statements is over. The time to get down to business is overdue. We wish we had heard him speak of concrete steps tonight.”
So, tell us what you think. Was it enough? Or should he have gone further? Is this the issue to push the president on now? What do you think?
4 Comments
LGBT money is fine, no worries about the rest of those fundraising dollars puttin’ on heels and flying off to San Fran for the weekend.
But those Army boys might drop to their knees if a known homersekshul is allowed to share barracks.
This has everything to do with the military having been overrun with bible beaters and crusaders.
Even the Israelis allow mos to serve openly. And they’re pretty tough!
Including the repeal of DADT in the State of the Union remarks was enough for me. LGBT equality and equality for all people are on the list of priorities for the Obama Administration … LGBT people just aren’t at the top. Who can argue that the economy and war and health care shouldn’t take priority over DADT? We’ve come a long way and progress will continue to be made. Have faith in Obama’s vow for equality for all people. Hold the President accountable and get out and vote, volunteer and give money to advance that fight. We all need to do our part.
Yes,we did get mentioned in the SOTU address. That is, I suppose, a mark of distinction for an equality issue. The President set the stage for the demise of DADT this year. That is a very short window of opportunity! The only way it can happen in 2010 is if the President himself or Congress attaches it to the Military Appropriations Bill -OR- HR1283 passes in both the House and Senate. Senate hearings have been reset to Feb 11th. Focused lobbying is scheduled for March. Now is not the time to bask in the warmth of an “honorable mention,” We have miles to go – still.
I’m so tired of begging for crumbs under the table from this Administration (who promised us so much!). Discarding DADT is morally right, proven to work in other militaries , AND we are in the middle of TWO WARS! Expediency alone seems enough reason to get rid of this silly, dark-ages ban and bring in the recruits they can.