The Christian conservative American
Family Association (AFA) has criticized the Pentagon's recent
decision to extend some benefits to the spouses of gay and lesbian
service members.
Outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon
Panetta on Monday announced the benefits, which include housing
privileges, access to base recreational facilities and joint duty
assignments for couples in the military.
In an email to supporters which
included an image of a gay rainbow on a tombstone, the
AFA criticized Panetta, saying that he has “effectively
devastated our nation's military by allowing the 'gay agenda' to take
priority over national defense.”
Homosexuality, the AFA claims,
“presents an unacceptable risk to good order, discipline, morale
and unit cohesion – qualities essential for combat readiness.”
The “most disturbing [thing] is his decision to allow homosexual
partners to be buried on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National
Cemetery.”
Members are urged to contact their
representatives to let them know that “they have allowed the
security of our nation to be endangered by focusing on social
experimentation, rather than defense.”
(Related: Jim
Inhofe criticizes Obama for extending benefits to gay troops.)