World
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
After Sen. Carl Levin said Monday that President Barack Obama may state his intentions regarding "don't ask, don't tell" in his State of the Union speech on Wednesday, the question remains whether it will actually make the speech and, if so, what exactly the president will say.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs sidestepped most questions on what would be included in the speech during Tuesday's briefing. But asked by The Advocate whether the policy was at least "a point of discussion" for inclusion, Gibbs responded, "Yes."
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, said Tuesday he believed mention of the gay ban was in the first draft of the State of the Union address.
"We had earlier reports that it was in a draft, but we don't know any specifics and don't know if it's still in there today," he said.
Several sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they were aware that specific recommendations for potential inclusion had been made regarding the policy.
"I know that there was some language floating around that was recommended by people high up in the food chain," said one source. "At least there was something tangible on the table."
But those who have witnessed the process of creating a State of the Union address said much can change between now and Wednesday night.
"Two days in the run-up to the State of the Union is like a lifetime," said Richard Socarides, former special assistant and LGBT adviser to President Bill Clinton. "There will be so many versions of his speech between now and when it's given."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Here Are Our 2024 Election Predictions. Will They Come True?
November 07 2023 1:46 PM
17 Celebs Who Are Out & Proud of Their Trans & Nonbinary Kids
November 30 2023 10:41 AM
Here Are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
November 01 2023 5:09 PM
Which State Is the Queerest? These Are the States With the Most LGBTQ+ People
December 11 2023 10:00 AM
These 27 Senate Hearing Room Gay Sex Jokes Are Truly Exquisite
December 17 2023 3:33 PM
10 Cheeky and Homoerotic Photos From Bob Mizer's Nude Films
November 18 2023 10:05 PM
42 Flaming Hot Photos From 2024's Australian Firefighters Calendar
November 10 2023 6:08 PM
These Are the 5 States With the Smallest Percentage of LGBTQ+ People
December 13 2023 9:15 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
Sean Cody model and gay adult film actor sentenced for murdering Alaskan surgeon
April 16 2024 10:46 AM
Hillary Clinton and Kelly Clarkson condemn Arizona ruling upholding 1864 abortion ban
April 16 2024 10:33 AM
A Republican mom and her transgender son open up about unconditional love and acceptance
April 16 2024 6:00 AM
Supreme Court lets Idaho enforce law criminalizing gender-affirming care for minors
April 15 2024 8:47 PM
Plus
Yahoo FeedGay fetish artist Rex has died — see some of his sexy work
April 15 2024 8:13 PM