A top House Republican wants to know why the Air Force rescinded a prayer luncheon invitation to conservative Family Research Council president Tony Perkins.

Eric Cantor sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates asking for an explanation.

Andrews Air Force Base decided not to have Perkins speak at their event in February, following his comments against the president's plan to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy toward gays in the military

Cantor, who is an Orthodox Jew, told CBN News the White House is being intolerant.

"To dis-invite Tony Perkins because of a belief and a position he has taken on an issue that a lot of Americans feel very strongly about is indicative of an administration that's frankly intolerant of a diversity of opinion," he said.

Republican Congressman Mike Pence has also sent a letter to Gates asking for answers.