Deal Struck on DA/DT Repeal

The White House has announced it's support for a compromise bill to repeal Don't Ask/Don't Tell.  Here's how Americablog summarized it:

"The House and Senate will pass legislation this year that provides that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will be considered repealed if and when the following happens:




1. The Secretary of Defense receives the "study."


2. The President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certify that:


- They have considered the recommendations in the study


- DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations needed to implement a repeal


- The implementation of the repeal is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention.


Current policy will remain in place until the above conditions are satisfied. And if the above conditions are never satisfied, the current DA/DT policy will remain in place.


There is nothing in the legislation that says the repeal must happen.
 
In other words, it's not really a repeal.  It's a conditional repeal that may or may not happen.  It gives members of Congress cover to say they voted to repeal Don't Ask/Don't Tell without actually doing it.  Considering the mid-term elections which will probably result in the loss of Democratic seats, this may be the best we can do." 
 
78% of Americans support DA/DT repeal.  Why is it so controversial in Washington?