Why Djou Voted for DADT Repeal

Gay Republicans have held up Hawaii congressman Charles Djou's vote for repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" as proof that the Republican, who opposes civil unions in his home state, is a gay rights supporter.

But in a recent interview, Djou suggests that his vote in favor of DADT repeal has less to do with support of gay rights than it does with closing a loophole that, as Djou sees it, allows soldiers to get out of their service commitments by pretending to be gay.

Djou: "On that particular issue, it comes from personal experience. I have served for nearly 10 years now in the United States Army Reserve. What concerned me about the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy is that is just simply doesn't work. And I have seen too many instances as an Army reservist, soldiers would sign up for a reenlistment bonus, get this gigantic sum from the American taxpayer. And then as soon as the unit gets called up to mobilize to Iraq and Afghanistan, they suddenly claim they are gay, with no prior indication whatsoever. Get the discharge and keep the bonus. That's wrong, that's unfair, and that's why this policy should be changed."

Jimmy LaSalvia, executive director of the conservative gay group GOProud which endorsed Djou, told The Advocate the fact that the congressman voted for repeal is all that matters.

"The fact that any on the gay left would analyze why Charles Djou voted for DADT repeal, rather than the fact that he did, shows that they are more interested in affirmation and the group hug than actually delivering results for our community," he said.

LaSalvia wrote an article for The Advocate defending GOProud's decision to support Djou.

Watch the video below. And watch Djou explain his opposition to civil unions and marriage equality here.