White House bars gay groups from military families event

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: White House ,; Social Issues

(Credit: CBS/AP)

Updated 2:44 p.m. Eastern Time

Today marks the launch of Michelle Obama and Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" initiative to "support and honor America's service members and their families." The two women, along with President Obama and Vice President Biden, will make remarks at the White House in conjunction with the kickoff.

Shortly before the event began at noon, Servicemembers United, which represents gay and lesbian troops and veterans, complained that the White House had barred civilian representatives of gay and lesbian military families from the event.

"It is rather unfortunate that both East Wing and West Wing staff have refused to allow a representative of gay military families to even be in the room at an event that is supposed to honor their commitment and sacrifice," said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United.

Kristina Schake, Communications Director for the First Lady, explained the decision this way in an email to CBS News.

"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. "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."

Nicholson, from Servicemembers United, complained in his statement that "[t]he First Lady's office has used the continued enforcement of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' as an excuse to exclude us, even though they know that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' does not apply to the civilians who work at their advocacy and service organizations."

"Many straight organizational representatives have been invited to this event, including some with few or no military families in their constituencies," he added. "Yet our thousands of gay military families are shut out from being represented today because of nothing but lingering political homophobia. Gay and lesbian military families should not have to fight this hard just to stand in the back of the room in 2011."

The White House guest list for the event includes a number of business leaders who do not appear to have a direct connection to the military. A White House official told Hotsheet that those individuals represent organizations that have made major commitments to the "Joining Forces" initiative.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by eminjay May 17, 2011 7:29 PM EDT: I dont think it has to do with whether the Obama's accept gays in the military, I think they may be protecting them. If they are saying to not come because of the policy, it's so certain people aren't outed and discharged. Why cause more problems then you solve?

I'm gay but I don't wear it on my sleeve everyday because when it comes down to it, not everyone is tolerant. It's reality.; Reply to this comment


by edmundsingleton April 13, 2011 4:49 AM EDT: Funny, all American families are American families...; Reply to this comment


by slatep April 13, 2011 1:36 AM EDT: Gays serving in the military suffer, bleed and die the same way straights do.

No ones sexual preferemces should be taken into account when holding these events ANYWHERE.

That they were denied entry to the WH makes it seem even worse.; Reply to this comment


by valwayne April 13, 2011 12:46 AM EDT: Obama may need gay votes to win reelection, but it doesn't mean he likes, or respects gay men and women. He sat in Rev Wright's church for 20 years nodding in agreement with the hate! Can you imagine what Rev Wright had to say about gay men and women? Obama may have changed don't ask don't tell to win votes, but it doesn't mean he wants anything to do with gays. They clearly aren't invited to the party!!!; Reply to this comment


by HAZELET April 12, 2011 4:58 PM EDT: "civilian representatives"? Maybe that was the problem. If not, then hypocrisy reigns; Reply to this comment


by meboard April 12, 2011 4:41 PM EDT: by Brokennews April 12, 2011 4:34 PM EDT
UP YOUR's MEBOARD!!!!

There! Do you feel better now HiTech53??
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Well now that we got that out of the way...; Reply to this comment


by meboard April 12, 2011 4:29 PM EDT: by HiTech53 April 12, 2011 4:25 PM EDT
How nice for the two of you!
I'm happy for you!
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Aaaawwwww...that's nice!; Reply to this comment


by atomant59 April 12, 2011 4:25 PM EDT: HighTech, You are a regular Rock Hudson, just not quite the actor.; Reply to this comment


by meboard April 12, 2011 4:22 PM EDT: by HiTech53 April 12, 2011 4:19 PM EDT
My aren't you the persistant perverts!
You really want us to be like you!
No thanks
Ha! Ha!
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You wouldn't be able to live up to the standrads LowClass53...; Reply to this comment


by atomant59 April 12, 2011 4:16 PM EDT: Hey HiTech53, BigGrizzly55 you two didn't get kicked out of the catholic church in Boston, Did Ya????; Reply to this comment