President Barack Obama was heckled by a
pro-gay protester for a second time while campaigning for fellow
Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer in California, CNN reported.
The unidentified protester disrupted
Obama's speech Tuesday night. The man shouted at Obama for not
moving faster on repealing “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the policy
that bans gay troops from serving openly.
“Maybe he didn't read the newspapers,
because we're working with Congress as we speak to roll back 'Don't
Ask, Don't Tell,'” Obama said referring to a
compromise agreed to by Democratic leaders and the White House Monday
to move forward on repeal.
Last month, a group of protesters
shouted at the president: “What about 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?”
Obama raised his hand, then said: “Hey,
hold on a second. We are going to do that.”
The protesters continued, chanting “Yes
we can” over the president's remarks.
After waiting about 30 seconds, Obama
said: “Guys, guys, I agree.”
“What the young man was talking about
was we need to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell,' which I agree with.
And which we have begun to do. But let me say this: When you got an
ally like Barbara Boxer and you got an ally like me, who are standing
for the same thing, then you don't know exactly why you got to holler
because we already hear you.”
At Tuesday's event, Obama joked:
“C'mon, man, I'm dealing with Congress here. It takes a little bit
of time.”