South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham addressed the possible lame-duck congressional repeal of the military’s anti-gay “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy this weekend on Fox News Sunday.
Graham insisted that the required number of votes to break a Senate filibuster were not in place, especially on the Republican side of the aisle.
He also said the motivation for repeal was for political gain.
“The question that was asked of our military members is how would you implement ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ once it's repealed,” Graham told host Chris Wallace. “They didn't ask the question, ‘Should it be repealed?’ This is a political promise made by Sen. Obama when he was running for president.”
“Everyone has feelings and everyone is a person. That’s what we continue to promote to our kids. I hope [the gay community] gets equality and what they’re looking for.”
Brent Sopel, a player for the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks, who carried the Stanley Cup in the Chicago Gay Pride parade. Sopel has since been traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. (Chicago Tribune, June 22)
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