Okla. Lawmaker Wants Gays Barred from National Guard

A right-wing state representative in Oklahoma who's not Sally Kern wants to bar gays, lesbians, and bisexuals from serving in his state's National Guard.

Republican Mike Reynolds is pushing a bill that would make "don't ask, don't tell" look forward-thinking. It would allow government officials to directly question someone about their sexual orientation and exclude those who are LGBT, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

"Since repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' last year, military leaders have testified that our nation's military is stronger," said HRC president Joe Solmonese. "It's surprising that an Air Force veteran like Representative Reynolds would disagree with our nation's military leaders and seek to weaken Oklahoma's National Guard by introducing this legislation. This legislation serves no purpose but to prevent qualified individuals from serving their country and their state."

Oklahoma's new legislative session begins February 6.