Tanner Says “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Is Premature

Legislation repealing the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is currently moving through Congress. But one Tennessee Democrat is among critics who say Washington is acting too quickly to end the ban on gays serving openly in the military.

The measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives late last month and is currently moving through the Senate’s committee process. It gives the Pentagon leeway for lifting the ban until a study on the issue is complete, but Union City Democrat John Tanner says that’s still not enough.

“I understand the way it was crafted, it does not go into effect until they sign off. But I just thought it was a little bit premature.”

The military study began in March and isn’t expected to finish until December.

Tanner and Lincoln Davis, of Pall Mall, were among the 26 House Democrats who voted against adding the repeal.