Tony Perkins, the president of the
Family Research Council (FRC), has criticized repeal of “Don't Ask,
Don't Tell” as “tragic.”
“Today is a tragic day for our armed
forces,” Perkins said in a release after 65 senators – including
8 Republicans – voted in favor of repealing the 1993 law that
bans gay and bisexual troops from serving openly.
The
House overwhelmingly approved the bill on Wednesday. President
Barack Obama has praised the bipartisan vote and is expected to sign
the bill into law this week.
“The American military exists for
only one purpose – to fight and win wars,” Perkins added. “Yet
it has now been hijacked and turned into a tool for imposing on the
country a radical social agenda. This may advance the cause of
reshaping social attitudes regarding human sexuality, but it will
only do harm to the military's ability to fulfill its mission.”
Perkins went on to suggest that
Democratic leaders are in the pocket of gay activists.
“It is clear why this was done: not
to enhance the military's ability to accomplish its mission or to
enhance national security. Rather, it is a political payoff to a
tiny, but loud and wealthy, part of the Democratic base.”
Opposition to repeal was lead by
Arizona Senator John McCain, who
was furious with the last-minute “jam” of the legislation.
“We thank Senators John McCain, James
Inhofe, Jeff Sessions and Jim DeMint, as well as all those who voted
to support our troops over advancing a liberal social agenda. These
senators fought hard for our men and women in uniform, and their
efforts will not be forgotten.”
Perkins
earlier called GOP Senator Olympia Snowe a “turncoat” for backing
repeal.