![Mary_bono_mackx390_1](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/mary-bono-mackx390-1.jpg?id=32724190&width=1200&height=876)
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.
Rep. Mary Bono Mack of California was one of 168 Republicans who voted against the measure that passed the House on Thursday and would begin to dismantle the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. She faces a Democratic challenge this fall from Steve Pougnet, the gay mayor of Palm Springs.
Rep. Bono Mack, the widow of Sonny Bono, issued a statement about her vote reported by The Desert Sun.
"This vote represents exactly why people are frustrated with Washington -- why request a review on how to make significant changes to military policy if politicians are not going to wait for the results?" she said. "I care deeply about our men and women in uniform and believe it is essential that a thorough review be completed by our military commanders prior to Congress enacting such a sweeping change."
Mayor Pougnet countered Bono Mack in his own statement reported in the The Desert Sun.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a discriminatory policy that wastes resources and has led to the dismissal of thousands of qualified, loyal service members," he said.
"For years, Congresswoman Bono Mack has avoided questions about her stance on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Tonight, with her vote, she finally made her position clear: against the over 13,000 members of the service who have been discharged as a result of the law and for a policy that is unfair -- despite the many high-ranking military officials that have called for its repeal."
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
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM
'Devastated:' A six-week abortion ban will go into effect in Iowa next week
July 23 2024 2:28 PM
Four hours, 44,000 Black women, and one Zoom call
July 23 2024 2:17 PM
Record 1.2 million people show out for Cologne’s Pride parade
July 23 2024 10:51 AM
Here's how far-right activist Leonard Leo helped fund Bud Light boycott
July 23 2024 10:27 AM
Elon Musk’s comments about his trans daughter prove why she doesn’t speak to him
July 23 2024 9:16 AM
Nancy Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris for president
July 22 2024 4:07 PM
Charli XCX declares Kamala Harris IS brat & our next President's campaign agrees
July 22 2024 3:08 PM