![Mark-kirkx390](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/mark-kirkx390.jpg?id=32720520&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.
Mark Kirk (pictured), the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Illinois and a Navy reservist, says he's never met a gay member of the military during any of his deployments.
Kirk made the statement Wednesday night in a televised debate with his Democratic opponent, Alexi Giannoulias, during a discussion of the proposed repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." Kirk, currently a member of the House of Representatives, voted against repeal earlier this year. He told the moderator, Chicago journalist Phil Ponce, he thought it best to wait for the Pentagon study on implementation of repeal before going forward.
"When you remove a policy, you've got to have a new policy," said Kirk, who has been in the military for 21 years. When Ponce asked if he knew any gay service members, he replied, "I don't. Not openly." He also said the Obama administration was "all cattywampus" on DADT, calling for Congress to repeal it even as it defends the policy in court.
Giannoulias, currently the Illinois state treasurer, said he supported repeal. "I think it's offensive and egregious that over the years we've kicked 14,000 Americans out of the military," he said, adding, "At a time when we're actually giving exemptions for felons to serve in the military, we're telling people because of their sexual orientation they're not allowed in the military -- I think it's a step back for this country."
Ponce also asked Giannoulias and Kirk if they supported same-sex marriage or civil unions. Giannoulias said both, and Kirk voiced support for civil unions only.
Watch a debate clip here.
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
Latest Stories
Walmart and MISTR to offer free at-home HIV testing kits
July 25 2024 10:02 AM
Joe Biden sends queer lawmakers & LGBTQ+ allies to Paris Olympics
July 24 2024 12:08 PM
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM