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WINDY CITY TIMES
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Charges dropped against Choi, Pietrangelo
2010-07-21
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This article shared 2888 times since Wed Jul 21, 2010
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Charges were dropped against openly gay Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. James Pietrangelo II July 14 regarding their protests at the White House in March and April, according to a press release from the gay-rights organization GetEQUAL.
"Today, truth was the victor against a demeaning, discriminatory law known as 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" said Choi. "We won't stop pressing for repeal and pressuring those standing in the way until the day comes when not one more gay or lesbian servicemember is fired. And, as of today, the President refuses to tell us when that day will actually come."
"It is clear that the government was embarrassed and we were prepared to make them defend this antiquated and homophobic law. The government is afraid of having to defend this issue," Pietrangelo said. "The subpoena was an embarrassment for them, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is an embarrassment for them and, after three months of discovery and preparation, the government dropped the case because they know it's an embarrassment."
"Civil disobedience won today," said Robin McGehee, co-founder and co-director of GetEQUAL. "We're thrilled today that Dan and Jim's actions have been validated and that non-violent civil disobedience has been proven again to be effective in combating prejudice. We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Dan, Jim and other LGBT active-duty servicemembers who are taking action to end this discriminatory policy."
Choi and Pietrangelo were charged with failing to obey police orders when they handcuffed themselves to the White House gates in order to protest "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Choi had subpoenaed President Obama but a prosecuting attorney responded that the subpoena had not been served.
In a text to Newsweek after the decision, Choi stated, "Govt embarrassed. Govt did not want to move fwd." He told Advocate.com, "I certainly am overwhelmed with that feeling of vindication for the whole civil disobedience, direct-action ideals. It was certainly justificationbut it was clear the government was embarrassed to do that." |
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This article shared 2888 times since Wed Jul 21, 2010
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