Anglican Mainstream

Members of the American Medical Association (AMA) voted Tuesday to oppose "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the federal policy that allows gay-identified individuals to serve in the armed forces as long as they don't discuss their sexual orientation.

The group also made a declaration that state marriage amendments are bad for people's health. 

The statement says unmarried people are more likely to go without health insurance and those without insurance are at risk for "living sicker and dying younger."

Jenny Tyree, marriage analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said it's an issue best solved by health-insurance reform.

"We all know there are problems with health care, so let's solve the problem of the uninsured," she said, "rather than messing with marriage."

Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, said it's important to remember "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not a law, but a policy.

"It was put in place by President Bill Clinton," she said.  "Congress had considered the concept and rejected it and instead passed a law stating that homosexuals are not eligible to be in the armed forces."

Donnelly said the AMA's research was skewed.

"They only consulted with advocates of gays in the military," she said. 

The law banning gay-identified individuals from the military enjoys wide support among the armed forces and has been upheld by the federal courts.

Gary Rose, a consultant with the conservative Medical Institute for Sexual Health, said the AMA should stick to medicine.

"Taking the position that's political is a little bit outside the boundaries of what I would consider appropriate," he said.  "The most important thing for physicians is that they're dedicated to offering health care.  That should be their primary concern."