Military in no hurry on gay policy, Mullen says

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s top military adviser said Sunday the Pentagon has enough challenges – including two wars – without rushing to overturn a decade-old policy that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military and incites political and social factions on both sides.

Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he is working on an assessment of what – if any – impact overturning “don’t ask, don’t tell” policies would mean for the military and its culture. In the meantime, the Pentagon plans to follow the existing rules, which say gays and lesbians can serve in the military if they do not disclose their sexuality or engage in homosexual behavior.

“The president has made his strategic intent very clear, that it’s his intent at some point in time to ask Congress to change this law,” Mullen said. “I think it’s important to also know that this is the law, this isn’t a policy. And for the rules to change, a law has to be changed.”

Mullen appeared Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”