Marine Corps commandant James Conway has emerged as the Pentagon's most
outspoken opponent of repealing the ban on out gay and lesbian military
personnel.

A Pentagon source told The Washington Times that General Conway has opposed the repeal despite the urging of President Barack Obama, commander-in-chief of the military. A spokesperson for Conway said, "Our marines are currently engaged in two fights, and our focus should not be drawn away from those priorities. When the time is right, we have full confidence that we will be asked to provide the best military advice concerning the readiness of the Corps as it relates to this issue."

Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, a think tank concerned with gay issues and military policy, said Conway's comments seem to be a "warning shot to proponents, including the White House."