Is Army Secretary McHugh suggesting a “Separate but Equal” Repeal of DADT?

10/27/09-by Paula Brooks
In an interview with the Army Times, Army Secretary John McHugh, said that the while the Army is waiting for a directive from the Obama Administration to figure out a plan for implementing openly gay service members into the Army, it’s possible that part of that plan could include LGBT’s being allowed to serve in some occupations or units but barred from others once the repeal of DADT came.

McHugh, who as a member of congress opposed the repeal of DADT, avoided directly offering any of his personal views on the issue of DADT and stressed that he was not aware of any current plans to repeal the military’s Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell policy. He also made clear that he was only discussing how the issue might play out.

McHugh said his job now is to provide input to Obama on how to make the change and to talk with members of Congress about the issue.

“I don’t want to prejudge the situation,” McHugh said. “I am saying if he (Obama) did that, it would be my job to explain it when the appropriate time comes.”

McHugh said selling the idea to Congress, which has the final say, could depend on exactly what the administration tries to do in terms of the timing of repeal and how it is applied.

Last week, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Carl Levin confirmed the committee will hold a hearing next month on the controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy banning gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

President Obama has faced criticism from the LGBT community for not moving forward quickly to repeal the policy. Earlier this month, at a Human Rights Campaign fundraiser, Obama pledged to end the practice of discharging members of the military because of their sexual orientation, but did not give a timeline for when that might happen.

“I’m working with the Pentagon, its leadership and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy, legislation that has been introduced in the House to make this happen,” said Obama.

When asked specifically if lifting the gay ban would seriously disrupt the military, as predicted by those who oppose repeal, McHugh said there is no reason to think major turmoil would ensue.

“Anytime you have a broad-based policy change, there are challenges to that,” said the Army Secretary. “The Army has a big history of taking on similar issues, with predictions of doom and gloom that did not play out.”

Paula Brooks | Create Your Badge