Dick Cheney calls for an end to the "don't ask, don't tell" law
Published: February 16, 2010
In between various shots at the current administration on ABC's This Week Sunday, former Vice President Dick Cheney also unveiled somewhat startling support from a conservative politician for dumping the military's current ban on openly gay servicemembers.
"Twenty years ago, the military were strong advocates of 'don't ask, don't tell.' I think things have changed significantly since then ... I think the society has moved on. I think it's partly a generational question.
"When the chiefs come forward and say, 'We think we can do it,' then it strikes me that it's -- it's time to reconsider the policy. And I think Admiral Mullen said that."
But perhaps the comments shouldn't have come as a big surprise. Despite Cheney's ongoing fights with the Obama administration, his position on gay rights for years has been closer to the Democratic platform than the Republican one.
Last year he again offered support for gay marriages (provided the states, not the federal government, make the decision). His daughter Mary is an open lesbian. And Cheney has publicly said that sexual orientation should be a "non-issue" for Republicans, and that equality for all citizens regardless of their sex life.
Gay rights advocates have adopted a "even Cheney opposes 'don't ask, don't tell'" approach to Sunday's comments, calling it undeniable momentum towards overturning the law. So far, opponents have largely remained quiet on his remarks.
Also, last week the Reserve Officers Association voted to drop its long-held platform of excluding homosexuals from military service (although, technically they didn't endorse allowing them to serve either), news that was quickly spread around as a sign of change.
Expect that idea to be contested when the Senate Armed Services Committee resumes its hearings on the issue later this month.
[PHOTO: ABC]
RELATED
"Don't ask, don't tell" supporters gear up for difficult fight
Adm. Mullen's surprising endorsement of gays in the military
Chairman enjoys twitter popularity after DADT comments
