U.S. General says comments on homosexuality his personal opinion

WASHINGTON: Gen Peter Pace, the top-ranking U.S. military officer, whose controversial remarks that homosexuality amounted to an immoral act led to angry reactions from various sections of the society, attempted to pacify the critics saying the remarks were his personal opinion.

Gen Pace, who is chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday he should have focused more on his support of the policy and less on his personal moral views.

Pace had told the Chicago Tribune during an interview that the military should not condone immoral acts such as homosexual relations. He said he believed homosexual acts between individuals are immoral and immoral acts should not be condoned.

The remarks brought forth criticism from diverse sections of people, including gay activists and politicians.

Pace later said in a statement he made a mistake by devoting so much time to his personal views. He said, "In expressing my support for the current policy, I also offered some personal opinions about moral conduct. I should have focused more on my support of the policy and less on my personal moral views."

During the interview, Pace outlined his support for the Pentagon's policy of 'don't ask, don't tell' on gays serving in the military, which had became law in 1993 under president Bill Clinton. The law allowed gays and lesbians to be in the army as long as they keep their sexual preferences private and do not engage in homosexual acts. Pace said he supported the policy, which he claimed opposed homosexual acts.

Pace's problems seemed to be not over. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, when asked to comment on the controversy said personal opinion was not relevant. He said what is important is that "we have a law, a statute that governs 'don't ask, don't tell.' that's the policy of this department."

John Warner, a senior Virginia Republican, who had chaired the Senate armed services committee, said he disagreed with Pace's view that homosexuality is immoral.

House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was disappointed in the moral judgment made by Pace and the military should consider changing its policy on allowing gays to serve on its ranks.

The Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization, described the remarks as bigoted. They are irresponsible, offensive and a slap in the face to the gay men and women who are currently serving their country with honor and bravery, the group's president Joe Solmonese said.

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