Central Florida LGBT activists are honing in on Senator Bill Nelson to vote for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but for the time being, Nelson is keeping quiet about where he stands.
Grant Schnell, a press assistant for Nelson, said, “Sen. Nelson’s inclined to support repeal of the ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ policy, but wants to see the study Secretary Gates announced of how this would impact the military.”
He’s referring to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ request for a year-long review of the policy to determine the procedures for repeal.
Nelson’s lack of conviction leaves his office doors wide open for lobbying from the Orlando Human Rights Campaign and other activists from around the state. The bill repealing DADT is titled the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.
“We feel like Florida is ground zero since both U.S. Senators from Florida sit on the Arms Services Committee,” said Randy Stephens, political co-chair of the HRC Orlando Steering Committee.
Orlando HRC Committee members traveled to Washington, D.C., for a lobby week, and after some difficulty, they say they were able to secure a meeting with one of Nelson’s staff members. Karin Quimby, HRC regional field director, called it “a good visit” and said now their focus is on building constituent support, encouraging citizens to call Nelson’s office and voice their desire that he support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.
She confirms that Nelson hasn’t yet responded directly but said they’re working to set up meetings in his office.
Orlando attorney John Ruffier is on the HRC Board of Directors. He confirms that Nelson has been quiet on the issue so far, but said that’s not unusual for Nelson.
“He is always one who likes to sort of wait until the last minute to say which way he’s voting, and might give him leverage on other things,” Ruffier said. “Most people on the committee would be surprised if he didn’t vote for the repeal, and if he didn’t, Sen. Nelson would understandably expect some backlash.”
He said it’s time to turn up the heat.
“Until he does vote or make a public statement, it’s important to keep the pressure on [Nelson], because certainly the other side is pressuring him to vote the other way,” said Ruffier. “It’s important, though, to realize that just because he hasn’t publicly said how he’s going to vote, it’s not necessary to take an angry stance.”
When asked whether Orlando activists are getting impatient or frustrated by Nelson’s non-action, both Stephens and Ruffier cited a nationwide frustration that the repeal is taking so long.
Still, Ruffier said he’s optimistic.
“Nelson is not one to be out in front of the issue, but he usually votes the right way,” said Ruffier. “I would be surprised and extremely disappointed if he did not vote for repeal.”
