PETA sends letter to White House press secretary for taking bestiality question ‘lightly’

Q: The Family Research Council and CNS News both reported a 93-to-7 U.S. Senate vote to approve a defense authorization bill that, quote, "includes a provision which not only repeals the military law on sodomy, but also repeals the military ban on sex with animals, or beastiality." Does the commander-in-chief approve or disapprove of bestiality in our armed forces?

CARNEY: I don't have any comment on--I don't have any comment on that. Let me go to another question.

Q: Does the President believe this will be approved by all animal support groups, such as--

CARNEY: Let's get to something more serious.

December 6, 2011

Mr. Jay Carney

Press Secretary to the President

The White House

Dear Mr. Carney:

In watching last night's news briefing, we were upset to note that you flippantly addressed the recently approved repeal of the military ban on bestiality. With respect, this is no laughing matter. Our office has been flooded with calls from Americans who are upset that this ban has been repealed—and for good reason. As we outlined in the attached letter sent yesterday to the secretary of defense, animal abuse does not affect animals only—it is also a matter of public safety, as people who abuse animals very often go on to abuse human beings.

I hope that in the future, you will address important issues with sensitivity and not dismiss them with a joke.

Very truly yours,

Colleen O'Brien
Director of Communications