Among Utah's members of Congress, only Democratic Rep. Karen Shepherd gives much support to President Clinton's plans to lift bans on openly homosexual members of the military.
"I think it is inevitable, whether it happens in five years or this year," she said Tuesday. She added that she supports efforts to end discrimination against all groups. "I plan to watch developments carefully," she said.Other members of the delegation said lifting the ban is a bad idea that will hurt military morale and Clinton's relations with Congress.
Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said any effort to lift the ban will likely be rejected by Congress. "I think we have the votes to shove it down his throat. It creates very strong feelings."
He added, "I hate to see him do this at the beginning of his presidency. I think it will hurt him."
Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah, said, "No one likes to see anyone discriminated or persecuted against" but said the "military faces unique circumstances, and great deference should be given to the leaders of the military about what is best."
He added, "I have not changed my position from a year and a half ago when I supported then-Defense Secretary (Dick) Cheney and Joint Chiefs of Staff (Chairman) Colin Powell in opposition to lifting the ban . . . I will keep an open mind, though."
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said he also personally opposes lifting the ban, and sees no way support of it would ever pass Congress. He said an executive order changing the questions recruits are asked about homosexuality may not be challenged in Congress, however.
Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said he supports the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other national and state military leaders who believe that to lift the ban on homosexuals in the armed forces could be detrimental to morale, health and discipline, and it would force the resignation of experienced, valuable personnel.