WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama pledged to end the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military in a speech Saturday, but acknowledged to a cheering crowd that the policy changes he promised on the campaign trail are not coming as quickly as they expected.
“I will end ‘don’t ask-don’t tell,”‘ Obama said at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay civil rights advocacy group.
He did not give a timetable for the repeal of the law passed by Congress in 1993 and signed by President Bill Clinton, who also promised to repeal the ban on homosexuals in the military but was blunted by opposition in the military and Congress.
“We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country,” Obama said. “We should be celebrating their willingness to step forward and show such courage … especially when we are fighting two wars.” “I appreciate that many of you don’t believe progress has come fast enough,” Obama said. “Do not doubt the direction we are heading and the destination we will reach.” Obama also called on Congress to repeal the Defense Of Marriage Act, which limits how state, local and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and determine benefits. He also called for a law to extend benefits to domestic partners.
Since Obama took office in January, some advocates have complained that Obama has not followed through on promises on issues they hold dear and has not championed their causes from the White House, including ending the ban on gays serving openly in the military and pushing tough nondiscrimination policies.
“I’m disappointed because I think a lot of us, particularly a lot of us young people, believed that we would see quick and decisive change, and now I think we’re facing the reality that it’s not that way,” said Kip Williams, a co-director of the National Equality March, which is expected to draw thousands of gay and lesbian activists to the National Mall on Sunday.
“I am not satisfied by dreams and visions. I want to see real commitments, and I would be pleased if I heard Obama make a real commitment with a timeline,” he said.
In the past, Obama has urged the gay-rights community to trust him. In June, he pointed to some initial efforts, such as a presidential memorandum he issued that expands some federal benefits to same-sex partners. On Saturday night, Obama is also expected to cite hate-crimes legislation that he wants to see Congress pass quickly for his signature.
Still, it’s a far cry from his biggest promises.
Obama publicly has committed himself to repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that allows gays and lesbians to serve in the military as long as they don’t disclose their sexual orientation or act on it. But Obama hasn’t taken any concrete steps urging Congress to rescind the policy, and his national security adviser last weekend would only say that Obama will focus on overturning it “at the right time.” Obama also pledged during the campaign to work for repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits how state, local and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and determine benefits. But lawyers in his administration defended the law in a court brief.
White House aides said they were only doing their jobs to back a law that was already on the books.
The gay community is somewhat split as to whether Obama should be expected to produce results right away.
The Human Rights Campaign, which invited Obama to speak at its dinner tonight, said it remains hopeful of seeing more action. “He’s obviously the most supportive president and has done more than any president” on behalf of the gay community, said Joe Solmonese, the group’s president. He said the Obama administration has been working with the group on a range of issues “on an almost weekly and sometimes daily basis.” Rep. Barney Frank, an openly gay member of Congress, notes there has been some progress such as the hate-crimes legislation, which would make it a federal crime to assault people because of their sexual orientation. Frank, D-Mass., also said the gay rights community understands “there is a legislative process” and progress can’t happen overnight.
