McKeon on 9th Circuit Don't Ask Don't Tell Ruling

Statement

On July 6th, the U.S. 9thCircuit Court of Appeals ruled that gays and lesbians must be allowed to serve openly in the military, effective immediately. Though the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is scheduled to be repealed, the Pentagon had requested time to certify the policy's effect on combat operations. That certification has yet to be completed, and incoming Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has not signed off on the repeal.

In response to the Appeals Court ruling, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon issued the following statement:

"This is a classic example of legislating from the bench. The legislative branch of government, not the judicial, has the constitutional mandate to raise and regulate the Armed Forces. When the House rushed through repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell prior to the end of the last session, I urged caution because the impact on our combat forces is not yet fully understood.

"Unfortunately, this court decision rapidly accelerates the timeline outlined by the President and the Secretary of Defense. I urge the Administration to immediately appeal the decision to the Supreme Court and allow the Department of Defense to ensure repeal is informed by the best military judgment and does not negatively impact our forces who are in harm's way."

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