Brownback backs Pace remarks on gays

Brownback backs Pace remarks on gays
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune and The Associated Press
Published March 16, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback is backing the Pentagon's top general over his remarks that homosexuality is immoral.

The Kansas senator planned to send a letter to President Bush supporting Marine Gen. Peter Pace, who this week likened homosexuality to adultery and said the military should not condone it by allowing openly gay personnel to serve.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs also said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune: "I believe that homosexual acts between individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts."

Lawmakers of both parties criticized the remarks, but Brownback's letter called the criticism "both unfair and unfortunate."

"We should not expect someone as qualified, accomplished and articulate as Gen. Pace to lack personal views on important moral issues," Brownback said.

Asked whether he agreed with Pace's comments, Brownback said: "I do not believe being a homosexual is immoral, but I do believe homosexual acts are. I'm a Catholic and the church has clear teachings on this."

There is no indication Pace's job is in jeopardy, but Brownback's letter to Bush said "personal moral beliefs" should not disqualify anyone from a leadership position in the military.

Pace said he supports the military's "don't ask, don't tell policy" in which gay service members must keep their sexual orientation private. Brownback on Thursday said the policy is "appropriate."