Defense Secretary Robert Gates says
there has been little progress on repealing the military's ban on gay
and lesbian service.
The law, known as “don't ask, don't
tell,” prescribes discharge for gay and lesbian service members who
do not remain silent about their sexuality or celibate.
Gates made his remarks this morning to
Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace.
The Obama administration issued a
statement last month that it was discussing repeal of the gay ban
with top Pentagon brass. White House Spokesman Tommy Vietor said the
president has “begun consulting with Secretary Gates and Chairman
Mullen so that this change is done in a sensible way that strengthens
our armed forces and national security.”
Wallace asked Gates why there is money
in the 2010 budget to enforce “don't ask, don't tell.”
Gates answered that it “continues to
be the law.”
“We will follow that law, whatever it
is,” Gates said. “That dialog though has really not progressed
very far at this point in the administration. I think the president
and I feel like we've got a lot on our plates right now and let's
push that one down the road a little bit.”