Ron Paul Explains Pro-DADT Repeal Vote

Texas representative Ron Paul was one of five Republicans to vote for a House defense bill amendment that would begin the process of repealing "don't ask, don't tell," despite his earlier opposition to lifting the ban on allowing gay soldiers to serve openly.

His reason?

"I have received several calls and visits from constituents who, in spite of the heavy investment in their training, have been forced out of the military simply because they were discovered to be homosexual," Paul told The Washington Post Friday.

"To me, this seems like an awful waste. Personal behavior that is disruptive should be subject to military discipline regardless of whether the individual is heterosexual or homosexual. But to discharge an otherwise well-trained, professional, and highly skilled member of the military for these reasons is unfortunate and makes no financial sense," Paul said.

On the Republican side of the aisle, Paul was joined by Illinois representative Judy Biggert, Louisiana representative Joseph Cao, Hawaii representative Charles Djou, and Florida representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in voting for the amendment.

A congressional map of the votes on Rep. Patrick Murphy's DADT amendment is available here.