Santa Barbara, Calif. – Today, the Palm Center released a statement in response to Marine Corps Commandant General James Amos’ comments that the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” could cause a “distraction” to troops and potentially endanger lives. General Amos said: “Look, anything that’s going to break or potentially break that focus and cause any kind of distraction may have an effect on cohesion…I don’t want to permit that opportunity to happen.”

Palm Center Director Dr. Aaron Belkin stated:

“General Amos’ statement on the impact of openly gay service embraces stereotypes over the evidence, plain and simple. General Amos arrived at his conclusions by interpreting the Pentagon Working Group’s report through the lens of personal bias. The report has conclusively demonstrated that the only rationale for retaining ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ is prejudice. Amos is listening to troops who anticipate problems, yet ignoring those Marines who actually serve alongside gay troops and report that it is no big deal. Unfortunately, General Amos has chosen not to talk with any of his foreign counterparts, for whom the evidence has shown openly gay service to be a non-event.”