Debate Audience Boos Gay Iraq Vet

Rick Santorum would repeal the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 23, 2011 1:00 AM CDT
Updated Sep 23, 2011 6:29 AM CDT

First they cheered letting the uninsured die—then they booed a gay soldier. The audience at last night's GOP candidates debate didn't keep it classy when an Iraq war vet asked Rick Santorum on a YouTube clip where he stands on this week's repeal of the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. The soldier was heartily booed before Santorum said he would call to repeal the repeal—but wouldn't kick out any service member who has already revealed that they're gay, notes The Hill.

"Any type of sexual activity has absolutely no place in the military," he said, criticizing the move to "recognize a group of people and give them a special privilege." He added: "Going forward we would re-institute that policy if Rick Santorum was president. Sex is not an issue. It should not be an issue. Leave it alone. Keep it to yourself whether you are heterosexual or homosexual." No candidate mentioned the booing during the debate, but afterward, both Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney called it "unfortunate." (More GOP presidential debate stories.)

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