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.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday put some distance between the White House and the Department of Justice in terms of the department's approach to defending "don't ask, don't tell" in a brief filed last week. Gibbs suggested it was "odd" that DOJ used Gen. Colin Powell's 1993 testimony to defend the law because Powell has since changed his views on the matter.
"Was it odd that they included previous statements from Gen. Colin Powell on a belief set that he no longer had?" Gibbs posed, in response to a question from The Advocate. "I don't think the president would disagree with that."
Gibbs also said he has never heard the president take a stance on the constitutionality of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
The transcript of the Q&A is below:
The Advocate: So obviously there's a number of cases sort of wending their way through the courts right now challenging the Defense of Marriage Act and "don't ask, don't tell." Last week the Department of Justice filed another brief defending "don't ask, don't tell." It angered a lot of advocates; some legal scholars thought it was a step backwards in terms of dismantling the law. Is the President at all concerned that DOJ is a little insular or tone-deaf on issues that are sort of politically sticky, especially those of interest to the LGBT community?
Gibbs: I will say this, obviously the president has enunciated his support for ending "don't ask, don't tell," rolling back -- made a commitment to roll back DOMA in the campaign. Obviously, the Justice Department has -- is charged with upholding the law as it exists, not as the president would like to see it. We have obviously taken steps on the front of "don't ask, don't tell," and I think we've made a genuine amount of progress. I will say, Was it odd that they included previous statements from Gen. Colin Powell on a belief set that he no longer had? I don't think the president would disagree with that.
The Advocate: Does the president think it's constitutional, "don't ask, don't tell?"
Gibbs: I have not heard him talk about that.
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
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
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: The Daily
Trending stories from our video partner Advocate Channel.
For more videos and shows go to advocatechannel.com.
Trending stories from our video partner Advocate Channel.
For more videos and shows go to advocatechannel.com.
Latest Stories
Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of Trump’s immunity claim
April 25 2024 4:06 PM
After a Pennsylvania school board canceled a gay actor's talk, the community fought back
April 25 2024 3:52 PM
Maine signs trans and abortion sanctuary bill into law, despite violent threats
April 25 2024 11:39 AM
Terrorist threat stops Nashville disc golf tournament with transgender player
April 25 2024 10:40 AM
Harvey Weinstein's sex crime conviction overturned in New York, new trial ordered
April 25 2024 10:27 AM
Alleged Minneapolis mass shooters charged after killing one at LGBTQ+ punk rock show
April 25 2024 10:21 AM
Gay Pennsylvania Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta wins Democratic primary for auditor general
April 25 2024 7:30 AM
Meet the transgender minister representing LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia
April 25 2024 6:30 AM