House passes version of defense bill that includes anti-equality amendments

In a 322-96 vote, the U.S. House today passed a version of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act that includes an amendment aimed at delaying implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) repeal.

The House Armed Services Committee passed the amendment earlier this month. The repeal law currently requires certification from the president, defense secretary and the Joint Chiefs chairman. The amendment would require certification by all four service chiefs as well.

Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey reiterated:

It is a disgrace that some lawmakers are wasting time and taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars trying to thwart the implementation of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal. They are out of touch with most Americans, who overwhelmingly believe that qualified, patriotic men and women should be able to serve their country openly and honestly free from discrimination. These delay tactics are an affront to those who are currently serving our country, those who wish to serve, and to our nation’s sense of fair play.

The House also approved amendments to the defense spending bill that affirm that the discriminatory, so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” applies to Department of Defense policies, and prohibit weddings for same-sex couples at military facilities, in addition to barring military chaplains from performing such weddings in their official capacity.

The Senate is expected to consider its own version of the defense spending bill in June.