Call for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy

Obama's repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on the back burner

Updated: Monday, March 30th, 2009 | By Angie Drobnic Holan

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in an interview that he's not actively pursuing a repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," rule, which prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military. The admission came at the end of an interview on Fox News Sunday .

"In January, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs gave a one-word answer, 'yes,' when asked if this president is going to end the policy of 'don't ask, don't tell' for gays in the military," said moderator Chris Wallace. "Where does that stand? And why is there currently money in the 2010 budget to keep enforcing that policy?"

"Well, it continues to be the law," Gates said. "And any change in the policy would require a change in the law. We will follow the law, whatever it is.

That dialogue, though, has really not progressed very far at this point in the administration. I think the president and I feel like we've got a lot on our plates right now, and let's push that one down the road a little bit."

As for Gates' point about his full plate, the question on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" came at the end of a long interview that covered the following: President Barack Obama's renewed military commitment to Afghanistan, Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban and other extremists, an upcoming NATO summit in Europe, North Korea's threats of a missile launch, possible billion-dollar cuts to the defense budget, Iran's nuclear capabilities and security issues on the border with Mexico.

Obama can't unilaterally undo "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Congress has to repeal said the policy. Gates said he and Obama were pushing this promise "down the road," which indicates they're not urging its passage right now, and that the dialogue on it has not progressed. So we rate this promise Stalled.

Sources:

Fox News Sunday, Interview with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates , March 29, 2009

Change.gov, Robert Gibbs answers question on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" , Jan. 9, 2009