Former Sen. Sam Nunn, in a phone interview last week, seemed to lend his conditional support to efforts attempting to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that prevents gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military.

“If they can mitigate the damage and make sure the military can properly administer (the repeal) in a fair way, but in a way that protects unit cohesion and the morale of our forces, then I would favor making whatever changes are necessary,” Nunn said.

His support is dependent on a Pentagon study under way regarding the policy.

Nunn stressed that he did not agree with efforts by congressional Democrats to repeal the policy before the Pentagon has completed its work.

As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee in 1993, Nunn actively opposed President Bill Clinton’s efforts to repeal the ban on gays and lesbians in the military.

The policy was largely seen as a compromise between Clinton and Nunn.

Nunn now seems to hold a different view of the issue.

“I don’t think any policy like that can last forever,” Nunn said. “I don’t think it was designed for that. I think it was designed for giving the military and society the chance to make sure we did not damage national security in any way before the policy was changed.”

To contact writer Thomas L. Day, call 744-4489.