House Republicans vs. Gay Troops - Adam Serwer
House Republicans vs. Gay Troops
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is dead, but thanks to congressional Republicans, the fight over gays in the military is just beginning.
By Adam Serwer
May 17, 2012
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is history, but House Republicans are still waging a last-ditch guerrilla campaign against the acceptance of gay and lesbian servicemembers.
Two years ago, Democrats, along with a handful of Republicans, used a defense bill as a vehicle for overturning the policy that prevented gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. Republican opponents of DADT repeal accused Democrats of using the military to pursue a “social agenda.” But ever since, Republicans have used defense bills to further their social agenda—one contingent on limiting the rights and recognition of gay and lesbian servicemembers who are now allowed to serve openly.
Last year, Republicans tried to prevent military chaplains from conducting same-sex marriages for servicemembers—even if they wanted to. The GOP ultimately caved in that fight, but two amendments to this year’s defense bill represent even more aggressive attacks on gay rights.