Mixed reaction near Lejeune on repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

JACKSONVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The signing of the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell had a few folks in Jacksonville stirred up. The repeal is a controversial topic among all branches of the military, but the Marine Corps has been especially resistant to the change.

Even though the 17-year-old ban on gay Americans serving openly in the military has been repealed, there is still a long way to go before it will be implemented.

Retired Marine Mike Devine, who served 20 years in the Corps, thinks it will be a while before the law will be fully accepted.

“Twenty years after society accepts it, that’s when the Marine Corps will accept it,” Divine said. “Up until then, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell… ignorance is a wonderful thing sometimes.”

Some people we spoke with today were very openly against the law. Others said sexual preference is irrelevant and should not be a factor when it comes to serving in the military.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos recently suggested that allowing openly gay service members would be a distraction that could put lives at risk.