With the repeal to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" passing through the U.S. Senate Dec. 18, gay-rights organizations, as expected, praised the development. Here is what a few organizations and individuals had to say:
—U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley, D-Ill.: "Today, we have righted a wrong. We have repealed a policy that was both morally repugnant and counter-productive to our national security. We have taken an extraordinary step toward equal rights for all Americans. Today, we have done the right thing."
—Robin McGehee, GetEQUAL: "Repeal of DADT is just one of the things that GetEQUAL sees as a priority in order to work toward full legal and social equality. Far from being a lobbying group or political insiders, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to smash down the walls of discrimination and inequality that surround us. Yes, that includes military discrimination—but it includes so many other things, as well.
"Today, we honor those who have taken action with GetEQUAL over the past nine months, knowing that we need many more to join them. Please join us in honoring them—and by reaffirming your own commitment to work toward a day in which we are all equal."
—Mitchell Gold, founder of Faith in America: "Today's vote in the U.S. Senate is a monumental achievement in the annals of the LGBT civil rights movements. First, it means our gay service men and women can live their lives with the same human dignity as others. An incredible burden of inequality has been lifted from these men and women.
"Second, this effort signals the end of religion-based bigotry within one of largest and most revered institutions in our society. That is historic as well."
"Most importantly, today's vote sends a message to our gay youth that one of the largest institutions in our society considers them fully deserving of human dignity and equality. That is a powerful message, and one that all youth and their families need to hear.
—JD Smith (pseudonym), the active-duty co-director of OutServe: "OutServe looks forward to the day that repeal of this law is signed by our commander in chief and the certification process is complete so we can all begin to serve openly and honestly. Certification must take place as soon as possible as gay and lesbian service members will be in limbo over the next few months. As the troops will interpret today's actions as an end in the policy, only a delay in certification will increase the lack of clarity among the ranks. "
—U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.: "The Senate vote today finally marks the end of a sad chapter in American history. Since its inception, the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy has been an un-American assault on our most fundamental tenet—that 'all men are created equal.' The policy discriminates against gays and lesbians who currently serve or wish to serve in the military, including those previously discharged who wish to rejoin. ... The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' is long overdue, but no less welcome."
—American Psychological Association President Carol D. Goodheart, Ed.D: "This long-awaited action is an important step toward allowing gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to serve openly and honorably in the armed forces. Repeal of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy will lift a heavy psychological burden of secrecy from gay, lesbian and bisexual military personnel."
—GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios: "To deny brave men and women the ability to serve their country openly and honestly is to reject the fundamental American principles of fairness and equality for all. Today's vote, a reflection of the overwhelming majority of Americans who support the repeal, moves us one step closer to ending a ban which undermines our national security and has resulted in the loss of critical and skilled service members."
—American Foundation for Equal Rights: "Today's vote to end the egregious and discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law is a major victory for the millions of patriotic gay and lesbian Americans who have and who continue to serve their country honorably. This historic vote is also a victory for the principles on which our nation was founded: all Americans are equal under the law and no one should be subject to discrimination.
"Today it further evidence that the fight for equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans, which has historically been seen as a partisan issue is increasingly becoming bipartisan."
—Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: "I welcome today's vote by the Senate clearing the way for a legislative repeal of the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' law.
"It is ... important that our men and women in uniform understand that while today's historic vote means that this policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take an additional period of time. In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect.
"Successful implementation will depend upon strong leadership, a clear message and proactive education throughout the force. With a continued and sustained commitment to core values of leadership, professionalism and respect for all, I am convinced that the U.S. military can successfully accommodate and implement this change, as it has others in history."
—Chicago mayoral candidate Miguel del Valle: "I applaud the Senate for moving the United States one step closer to full repeal of the obsolete and unjust Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.
"This passage marks a shift in the country's military culture, where now individuals will be able to serve proudly and openly, regardless of their sexual orientation."
