Scroll To Top
Military

Obama Administration Objects to Antigay Military Amendment

Obama Administration Objects to Antigay Military Amendment

Obama_20130611x400_0

The White House has challenged a Republican's 'license to discriminate' amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.

dnlreynolds

The Obama administration has voiced "serious concerns with certain provisions" of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2014, including an amendment that would limit discipline for antigay harassment in the military.

Advanced by Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee, the provision in dispute, section 530, would prohibit officers from administering "adverse personnel action" for any "actions and speech" rooted in "conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs."

LGBT activists have labeled this amendment, which was introduced by Louisiana Republican John Fleming, a "license to discriminate," saying it would give service members and military chaplains more freedom to harass gay and lesbian troops, up until the point such actions "actually harm good order and discipline."

In response, the White House released a statement of administration policy Tuesday that lambasted section 530 and other areas of concern.

"The Administration strongly objects to section 530, which would require the Armed Forces to accommodate, except in cases of military necessity, 'actions and speech' reflecting the 'conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the member,' the statement read. "By limiting the discretion of commanders to address potentially problematic speech and actions within their units, this provision would have a significant adverse effect on good order, discipline, morale, and mission accomplishment."

President Obama has threatened to veto the act if this and other provisions are not changed.

dnlreynolds
Advocate Channel - The Pride StoreOut / Advocate Magazine - Fellow Travelers & Jamie Lee Curtis

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.