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Obama still aims to repeal policy on gays

The Obama administration has held “preliminary discussions” with Pentagon leaders about lifting the ban on open military service by gays and lesbians but is not rushing into a legislative battle to repeal the Clinton-era policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell,” retired Marine Gen. James Jones said May 10.

Jones, Obama’s national security adviser, appearing on the ABC News program “This Week,” would not predict the outcome of the hotly contested policy issue, and even supporters of repeal in the House of Representatives are warning they would be unlikely to prevail in a vote on the issue if one was held today, which is part of the reason why the administration has been moving slowly and trying to build more momentum for change.

“We have had preliminary discussions with the leadership of the Pentagon,” Jones said, referring specifically to talks with Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

Obama’s views do not appear to have changed since he promised during the presidential campaign to seek a repeal of the ban.

In a personal note sent to former Army 2nd Lt. Sandy Tsao, discharged earlier this year after announcing she was a lesbian, Obama said he still plans to push for change.

“It is because of outstanding Americans like you that I committed to changing our current policy,” Obama said in the undated, handwritten note to Tsao, a copy of which was posted on www.glaadblog.org, the Web site of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination.

“Although it will take some time to complete (partly because it needs congressional action) I intend to fulfill my commitment,” Obama said in the note.

Conservative opponents of a change in policy are gearing up for a fight. Elaine Donnelly of the Center for Military Readiness is accusing the Obama administration of preparing to break the law, a conclusion reached because of Jones’ reply to a question asked by the ABC news program host, George Stephanopoulos, a White House aide during the Clinton administration.

Stephanopoulos asked why the Obama administration doesn’t suspend discharges and prosecutions for homosexuality while the administration seeks a repeal. Jones responded, “Maybe that is an option that eventually we’ll get to, but we’re not there now.”

Donnelly, whose group has been trumpeting a letter signed by more than 1,000 retired flag and general officers opposed to changing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” characterized Jones’ comments as a sign that the administration is “considering an evasion of law.”

“Any presidential order or Defense Department directive disregarding the law, handed down for reasons of political expediency, would constitute a serious, perhaps irreparable, breach of faith with men and women who volunteer to serve,” Donnelly said in a statement. “An imperious presidential challenge to congressional authority on a matter as important as this would erode relationships and good will, and give rise to constitutional questions. History shows that in conflicts with Congress, presidents do not win.”

Jones, however, wasn’t talking about conflict but about taking time to build support for change.

“This is an issue that is not going to be a light switch but more of a rheostat in terms of discussing it and ... having the discussions that have to be had with the military in order to [ensure] the good order and discipline of the military,” Jones said.

“This is a very sensitive issue and it has to be discussed over time,” Jones said. “All sides have to be heard. But I think most of us who have served in the military believe that the standards of conduct are what determines good order and discipline. So as long as conduct by all members of the military is not detrimental to good order and discipline, then you have cohesion in the ranks.”