Gay rights are quickly taking center stage in Nevada, where opponents are increasingly attacking – and gay activists are openly criticizing – Senator Harry Reid on his record.

In a new 30-second spot released by FRC Action PAC, the political arm of the Family Research Council helmed by Tony Perkins, the group goes after the senator for supporting repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the 1993 law that bans gay troops from serving openly.

In the ad, a male announcer says, “They fought in trenches … stormed beaches … cut sweltering jungles … marched over burning deserts. Our military has protected our soil and skies. Today, they're drawn into a new battle. Harry Reid and homosexual activists are attempting to advance their political agenda by overturning 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Our military is for protection, not politics. Stop Harry Reid on Election Day.”

FRC began running the ad Thursday on Las Vegas cable TV.

Repeal of the law is already underway. The House approved a bill that includes repeal language in May. And a Senate committee has checked off on a similar measure.

As Senate Majority Leader, it is up to Reid to decide on the timing of the vote.

Many Democratic lawmakers facing difficult reelection fights are urging Reid to hold off until after the midterm elections. But Reid has promised the Senate will vote on repeal of the gay ban in September.

Gay rights activists are also protesting Reid. The group GetEQUAL unfurled a giant banner that read “REID NO ONE CAN DO MORE? GETEQUAL.ORG” on the Las Vegas strip last month, blocking traffic for about 10 minutes before police arrived. The activists say Reid is wobbly on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill that would ban workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (transgender protections). ENDA stalled out in committee earlier this year.

Reid's Republican rival, Sharron Angle, is also speaking out on gay issues, upping the pressure on Reid to move further right.

The 61-year-old Southern Baptist recently made headlines when The Associated Press published a four-page questionnaire filled out by Angle for the Washington-based group Government is not God, which has endorsed Angle's candidacy.

Based on her responses, Angle would oppose ENDA and gay adoption.

In a section titled politics, she says she would refuse PAC money from those who are fundamentally opposed to her views on social issues.

“In reference to question 35A, Intel Corporation supports 'equal rights for gays' and offers benefits to 'partners' of homosexual employees. Would you refuse funds from this corporate PAC?”

“Yes,” Angle checked.

Opponents of gay rights are hoping that toppling Reid will stop ENDA and “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” from reaching the Senate floor.

“It's time for Senator Reid to go and be replaced by a senator who will respect and listen to our military leaders. We will continue to take this message to the Nevada airwaves and across the country. Our military is for protection, not politics,” FRC's Perkins said.