Social Conservatives Weigh in On 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

Social conservativesare weighing in on the U.S. Senate ending the dont ask, dont tell policy on gays serving in the military over the weekend.

"Today is a tragic day for our armed forces, said Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. The American military exists for only one purpose -- to fight and win wars. Yet it has now been hijacked and turned into a tool for imposing on the country a radical social agenda. This may advance the cause of reshaping social attitudes regarding human sexuality, but it will only do harm to the military's ability to fulfill its mission.

"It is shameful that the Democratic leadership, aided by Republican senators, has forced through such a radical change in a lame-duck session of Congress, continued Perkins. The 1993 law which is to be repealed was adopted only after months of debate and at least a dozen congressional hearings. The repeal has been forced through only 18 days after the Pentagon released a massive report, which raised more questions than it answered on the impact the overturning of this policy will have on our nation's military.

"It is clear why this was done: not to enhance the military's ability to accomplish its mission or to enhance national security, added Perkins. "Rather, it is a political payoff to a tiny, but loud and wealthy, part of the Democratic base. They knew that the Congress elected last month would never adopt such legislation -- certainly not without a more thoughtful and deliberative process.

While Perkins took aim at the Republicans who voted to end the policy, he praised the Republicans who voted to preserve Dont Ask, Dont Tell.

"We thank Senators John McCain, James Inhofe, Jeff Sessions and Jim DeMint, as well as all of those who voted to support our troops over advancing a liberal social agenda, said Perkins. These senators fought hard for our men and women in uniform, and their efforts will not be forgotten."