First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's military initiative Joining Forces excludes gay families. In a surprise homophobic and discriminatory move the duo are set to ignore gay people on a nationwide tour that looks at the unique challenges faced by military families when it kicks off today after a special event at the White House.
In a statement to gay glossy The Advocate, Kristina Schake, communications director for the first lady, confirmed that Joining Forces would not include gay families.
“The president has been crystal clear that the administration is moving forward with the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' quickly and efficiently,” she said, referring to the law that bans gay and bisexual troops from serving openly. “However, it still remains the law. The White House, including the first lady and Dr. Biden, look forward to working with the families of gay and lesbian service members after certification occurs and repeal goes into effect.”
The decision has caused outrage, “gay soldiers are already allowed to enlist, openly gay service people already in the services are being allowed to stay and not face any kind of discrimination or discipline. Therefore the two refusing to even contemplate including gay families in the tour is deeply discriminatory and disappointing.” Said UK gay right’s campaigner and writer Jason Shaw.
Alex Nicholson, executive director of Service members United, a group that represents gay and bisexual troops, said the exclusion was unwarranted. “There is really no reason to continue to exclude gay families or their advocates from the first lady's events for military families and military family advocates,” he told the Advocate
The executive director of Service members Legal Defense Network (SLDN) said in a statement released Monday that he understood the first lady's decision but added that the exclusion highlights the need to quicken the pace of repeal.
“The first lady's welcomed visits to our military bases underscores why we need certification and repeal sooner rather than later, hopefully before the end of this quarter,” Sarvis said.
Military leaders have said certification looks likely by summer's end.
“Service members Legal Defense Network looks forward to Mrs. Obama having the opportunity to sit down with LGB service members and their families later this year when 'Don't Ask' is no longer the law. We believe the first lady also looks forward to that opportunity once repeal is in place,” he added.
The military, however, has already said that repeal of the gay ban won't bring much relief to gay families, which cannot be recognized due to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Clinton-era law that bans the federal government from recognizing the marriages of gay and lesbian couples.
Spouses of gay service members are not eligible for crucial benefits such as health care or access to child care.
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