Brown Opposes Repeal of Long-Standing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy

Statement

Yesterday, Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) voted against repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the current policy that bans gay men and women from serving openly in the military. After the vote, Congressman Brown made the following remarks:

"I strongly oppose repealing the long-standing "don't ask, don't tell' policy.

South Carolina's first district is home to a large population of active military and veterans who have made it clear to me that they believe repealing "don't ask, don't tell' would alter the morale, good order and discipline of our armed forces. I share their concerns, and I am disappointed in the willingness of Congressional Democrats to change military culture without first consulting our soldiers or studying the impact these changes will have on the readiness and cohesion of our armed forces.

It is undeniable that repealing "don't ask, don't tell' will immediately enact a major change in military policy that will directly affect all of our men and women in uniform. Not only do we not know how this change will impact the military, but there is no plan for implementation which could lead to chaos and further problems.

This is precisely why the Secretary of Defense, top military officers of the Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Air Force asked Congress for time to review the study and gather input from U.S. military personnel before a vote was called.

I believe many people in the armed services share the hesitation of these top military officers and would join my constituents in their opposition against repealing the current law. Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats did not observe hesitation, ignored all opposition, and continued to shove their liberal agenda through Congress at the expense of our nation's military.

Repealing "don't ask, don't tell", especially during this time of war, is an inappropriate imposition of politics on our military and I will continue to oppose this legislation."

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