Religious Right Now

No DADT, no problem

The outdated, unworkable "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law will likely be repealed in the next few days. As a Christian conservative broadcaster, attorney, and activist who recently discussed DADT and my opinion about it on-air, I can say that for the most part, social conservatives are not enraged about the end of DADT. In fact, the grassroots has not been engaged on this issue for a long time.

I wrote about this previously for On Faith, arguing that DADT does not violate the Constitution and could be defended in court. But after much public debate and a repeal imminent, it has become clear that there is no reason for DADT; there are more important issues.

This is not the debate about the definition of marriage. If someone meets the physical requirements to join our Armed Forces, the military's top brass believe that serving openly poses no problems, and the man or woman follows the military code of conduct, Americans should welcome their decision to serve the United States.

An attempt to satisfy moderates by President Clinton in '93; DADT was doomed from the beginning. Close bonds form in the military. How can we expect people serving long tours of duty and fighting two wars to act as if their personal life at home does not exist when talking to their co-defenders of freedom? If you're concerned about problems developing, remember that the military has strict rules on troop relationships and harassment. Those rules won't disappear with the repeal of DADT.

We live in a new time. As a young member of the "religious right," if a gay friend or family member came to me and said they wanted to join the military, I would gladly be the first to congratulate and thank them. I do not believe they should be barred from serving because of their sexual orientation.

When DADT is repealed, social conservatives will continue to be strong supporters of the US military - encouraging sons and daughters to serve, praising active duty service members, and honoring Veterans and those who sacrificed their life for the country.

This opinion may shock some of on the left and anger some on the right.

To conservatives, I hope you know that after speaking with many vets and active duty servicemen and women, it is clear to me that the majority are not troubled by gays and lesbians making up a portion, and a small one at that, of the military.

To the left, I hope you rethink assumptions about the religious right, specifically those of us coming up through the ranks of the movement.

Now, let's get back to debating the most important issues facing our country.

By Jordan Sekulow |  December 17, 2010; 1:29 PM ET Save & Share:  Send E-mail   Facebook   Twitter   Digg   Yahoo Buzz   Del.icio.us   StumbleUpon   Technorati  
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It's good to see that Mr Sekulow, like the Bible and the Constitution, can evolve along with human understanding.

Posted by: JimTrott | December 22, 2010 8:16 PM
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AirForceOhio

You wrote, " Read the last chapter of the Book people - God wins."

Do you believe that God wins or do you believe that it will be a tie?

I believe that God wins Total Victory and that satan loses, a tie is absolutely and utterly unacceptable.

God became One of us to reconcile ALL of us with God, not just some.

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomaas Paul Moses Baum.

Posted by: ThomasBaum | December 22, 2010 2:54 PM
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The core fact is that Christian doctrine identifies homosexuality as "wrong" (opposed by specific portions of God's word), along with a variety of other "wrong". It's no more or less so than drug or alcohol abuse. But, we are also commanded as Christians to love the "sinner". If the non-Christian world chooses (their choice) to label Christians as "hateful" for not accepting sinful behavior, then be clear that this is their choice. Right is still right, and wrong is still wrong. Regardless of the emotions or number of voices saying otherwise. As long as God's word stands (forever) that will never change. I would hope that Mr Sekulow (for his sake, definitely not for mine or for God's sake) has a core belief system that is in clear sync with the clear word of God. Otherwise, he will indeed be next in line to support homosexual redefinition of God's design for marriage. As a Christian I'm not afraid of what non-Christian society does or evolves to. My hope and trust are in the eternal God. Read the last chapter of the Book people - God wins. Christians don't need more than that.

Posted by: AirForceOhio | December 22, 2010 12:31 PM
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Jordan gets on the bandwagon right before it leaves the station!

By the looks of it, he'll be getting on the marriage equality bandwagon pretty soon too!

Good for you Jordan. At least you won't be left behind as America continues to progress into the 21st century.

Posted by: Freestinker | December 20, 2010 1:33 PM
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The comments here are as predictable as the sun-rise with those supporting homosexuality avoiding real debate and simply labeling those that disagree with them as homophobic or bigoted to force anyone who speaks out into a defensive position and making it sound that the only acceptable response is complete acceptance of the liberal position. The idea that there is real science to back up some idea that homosexuality is just a fact of heredity and DNA is junk science. Sexuality is developed, not hereditary. Its clear in our world that sexual addiction is on the rise and more and more are stepping into a brave world of the erotic that takes many into all types of behaviors that once experience become defining, homosexuality is no exception.
To say that DADT has no connection to the gay marriage debate is a naive view. Currently 38 states do not allow "gay" marriage. The homosexual movement has pushed hard to change this. The homosexual movement could care less about the military, they are only using it to bring a level of national recognition, legitimacy and to elevate the debate to the national level. Once DADT is completely removed the lawsuits will start to roll. First will be the cases of discrimination where many will try and claim they failed to be advanced because of their superior's "biases". Next will be the lawsuits filed when gay members from states that have "homosexual" marriage will want to claim the many dependent benefits that the current defense of marriage act will deny them. If that is struck down then those with partners from states not allowing "gay" marriage will file an equal protection suit saying it is unconstitutional to allow some "gays" benefits (housing allowance, medical, education, base access) while others can't. It will be a mess and will be used to force states hands until universal 50 state "gay" "marriage" is recognized.
Besides this effort anyone with a religious view that says homosexuality is wrong or sinful will have a gag order placed on them. Officers and NCOs will be placed in a position of having to implement a policy that for many will run contrary to their convictions. The argument that this is like Truman and segregation of blacks is an insult to all African Americans who lived lives of complete persecution. Many "gays" are well off financially, well educated from all racial and ethnic backgrounds and are only viewed differently when they are publicly vocal about their life defining behavior. We are having a clash of cultures where the historical conservative view is attacked by those crying for tolerance. Gays have become the darlings of the liberal media and political groups and those that exercise their freedom of speech in disagreement will be mocked, rebuffed and silenced.
I have served 21 years in the military and would be one of those officers asked to implement this policy. I will ask to retire. Many more will follow me. I will not be told how to think just because this view is popular.

Posted by: northVANavy | December 19, 2010 11:35 PM
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[Left asks] "Hay Captain; Are You "Queerian?" [Right reply's] "Yep CPL!" [Left], "Cool, Now We Don't Have To Signal Each others In Public Airports, Restrooms, Forests or Parks anymore?" [Right]; "Yea Toots." [left] You ever do it in a Fox-Hole? ....."
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http://onwapo.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/w-e-l-c-o-m-e/

Posted by: wiki-truth | December 19, 2010 9:17 PM
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I had predicted long ago that President Obama should have actually abolished DADT by an executive fiat, in keeping with the zeit geist. Much like the way Truman did with integrating the armed forces in the middle of Korean conflict. And all these neanderthals would come follow it after some huge fulminations. That is what is going on JS finally saw the writing on the wall and he is the canary of the right wing bigots. that's all he is. He is doing his master's bidding.

Posted by: Secular | December 19, 2010 3:28 PM
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Wow, I never thought I would be reading this from Sekulow - did someone else steal his computer?

Posted by: areyousaying | December 19, 2010 9:39 AM
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The virus known as HIV originated with Heterosexuals NOT homosexuals. And, it has been proven to exist before 1981 when the "gay epidemic called GRID" began.

It was a bisexual who had sex with openly gay men in 1981.

Posted by: joe_allen_doty | December 18, 2010 5:37 PM
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Jordan Sekulow and his Christians-Only Legal organization created by Pat Robertson is very homophobic.

Posted by: joe_allen_doty | December 18, 2010 5:32 PM
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miyago123

You wrote, "God will look upon you and be the Judge."

And I, for one, thank God that God is our Judge, our as in everyone.

All of the "people", that some look down upon and condemn, happen to be made in the Image and Likeness of God.

If God were the "blood-sucking tic" that some seem to think of God as, who would want to have anything to do with something so disgusting?

As God-Incarnate said, "Forgive them Father, they know not what they do", still just as true as when first said.

Has anyone ever wondered why Jesus said, "Judge not lest ye be judged" and "The measure that you judge with will be the measure that you are judged with"?

He who condemns, condemns themself.

I thank God that God "won" the "keys" to the netherworld and will use them in due time, God's Time.

God became One of us to reconcile All of us to God.

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

Posted by: ThomasBaum | December 18, 2010 11:27 AM
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tedy2

Have you ever been in the military?

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

Posted by: ThomasBaum | December 18, 2010 11:11 AM
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The CDC made it clear on their continued ban of not allowing Homosexuals to donate blood. Their "RISKY BEHAVIOR" poses a Health Risk. This is why DADT should remain. Homosexuals are not greatfully what DADT did for them. Before DADT homosexuals would do Prison time. Keep DADT it works. Homosexuals know the Military does not welcome them because of their RISKY BEHAVIOR! The author Jordon Sekulow lacks the ability to do any research or critical thinking. Why is it that the CDC recent, YES RECENT, decision to continue the Ban on Homosexuals from dontating blood is not being discussed? THIS IS THE MILITARY.

Posted by: tedy2 | December 18, 2010 10:40 AM
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You should be ashamed of yourself forwarding an opinion like this. You show that you clearly have been compromised. What about the morality of homosexuality? God will look upon you and be the Judge.

Posted by: miyago123 | December 18, 2010 10:13 AM
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Amazing - I actually agree with Jordan Sekulow about something. There's hope for that boy yet.

Posted by: lepidopteryx | December 18, 2010 9:24 AM
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I concur with your commentary. I think the most compelling reason for acting on DADT (one way or another) is testimony from the military to the effect that service members' (real or imagined) sexual proclivities are not, after all, as disruptive to operations they have been made out to be over the years. In a word, the presence of gays in close quarters would no longer seem to threaten the service man or woman (as, perhaps, it once did): a testament to the training, discipline and strength of character of those presently serving in our military. Gay bashers that might have an problem with this decision have only their own insecurities with which to justify their opposition. The position of the military is clear.

Posted by: cgaquitaine | December 18, 2010 3:41 AM
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I think that both Jay and Jordan Sekulow deserve a lot of credit. After a long hiatus, I began listening to the ACLJ's radio program. Unlike years past, there is more open discussion with listeners, and the focus is on issues that seriously impact many Americans as opposed to the Religious Right's cause du jour.

The Sekulow duo was on top of the breaking Ground Zero mosque story and brought some critical facts to light about the would-be builders of that mosque - facts ignored by the mainstream media. Even when I don't agree with them, such as on health care reform, I appreciate that there is thoughtful analysis behind their position.

As demonstrated here, Sekulow is able to place a heated issue in its proper perspective, work through the policy considerations and arrive at a conclusion that is not predetermined by ideology. And at no point has he compromised his moral position on homosexuality. I note that the National Organization for Marriage and former Sen. Sam Nunn agree with him on this issue, and no one would accuse NOM or Nunn of going soft on gays.

Posted by: sonoki82 | December 17, 2010 11:26 PM
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Well, as a gay man, progressive Democrat and part time activist let me say that I am pleasantly surprised if not shocked. As for my assumptions about the religious right, those are subject to change when adults, like Mr. Sekulow, start to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric.

What possible purpose is served by Bryan Fischer's 24x7 tedious, pointless, offensive and factually inaccurate rant about how evil gays are. According to AFA's Fischer, we were the majority of the Nazis because we are so evil. According to Fischer, LaBarbera and Perkins, we exist solely to molest children. According to Robert George, gays are a direct threat to the "innocence" of children (I think we all know what that means).

Where are the denunciations from the Christian right for the exportation of extreme hatred and vitriol to Uganda?

Where were the adults when Fischer claimed that gay children have a higher suicide rate because they know that they are unredeemable perverts?

Why haven't pastors accepted the science that being gay is not a choice nor a "behavior?" Instead we are bombarded with false claims and junk science "conclusions" that wouldn't pass muster in a seventh grade chemistry class - let alone be peer reviewed.

Mr. Sekulow, the Christian right has done a very good job of convincing us that, at their core, they are angry and hateful. Differences can always be resolved when there is good faith. Good faith starts with truth. The truth is that we are average people in all walks of life who make great parents and serve our country with honor.

Posted by: CriticalThinker4 | December 17, 2010 6:32 PM
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