Lame-Duck House Vote Ignores Military Commanders, Places Troops at Risk

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Dec 15, 2010, 06:24 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tonight, the House of Representatives voted to overturn current federal law prohibiting homosexuals from serving in the military, commonly referred to as "Don't Ask Don't Tell." The key sponsor of this legislation, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) was removed from office on Election Day, as were a large number of liberal Members who voted to overturn the current law.

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Family Research Council President and Marine Corps veteran Tony Perkins released the following statement:

"Today, the lame-duck House of Representatives ignored the pleas of seasoned commanders like Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos and many of our men and women serving on the front lines and instead chose to placate a key liberal constituency, insistent homosexual activists.

"Just yesterday, Gen. Amos said making such a policy change during a time of war could cause distractions that would endanger the lives of combat Marines. Service men and women should not be placed at risk simply to appease the shrinking base of the Left.

"By making this change, and putting it as a priority over the actual funding of the troops, Congress is choosing to use the military, not as a tool for national defense, but as an instrument of social engineering.

"We call on the U.S. Senate to protect our fighting forces and not sacrifice them to a political agenda," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council