FROM AM HRC NEWS RELEASE: March 2, 2009
The legislation, sponsored by Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher ( D-CA ) , would end military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today lauded the introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act ( MREA ) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher ( D-CA ) , would replace the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law with one of non-discrimination. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" prohibits lesbians and gays from serving openly in the U.S. Armed Forces.
"On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, I thank Congresswoman Tauscher for her continued leadership on issues of LGBT equality and, in particular, her sponsorship of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Nearly 12,500 qualified individuals have been discharged from the military because they were lesbian or gay, without regard to the skills and expertise they possess. It's unthinkable that a policy that prizes bigotry over the security of our nation should remain the law of the land. We look forward to working with Congress, President Obama and his Administration to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'"
Approximately 80 percent of Americans believe that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" should be repealed. Additionally, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Shalikashvili and more than 100 high ranking Generals and Admirals have said the policy is harming America's national security and needs to be repealed. Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell has also said that it is time for the policy to be reviewed.
"This discriminatory law has been in place for over 15 years and will not be repealed overnight. Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell requires a partnership with the Administration. We look forward to working with the Administration in achieving repeal, an effort that must include a strategy for building support in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill," continued Solmonese.
HRC has worked extensively for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In July of 2008, HRC submitted testimony to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee's Personnel Subcommittee for an oversight hearing on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. In 2007, to commemorate the 14th anniversary of this discriminatory law, the Human Rights Campaign displayed 12,000 flags on the National Mall to recognize the 12,000 men and women discharged from the military since the enactment "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." HRC also convened the Legacy of Service tour, which brought U.S. veterans, many of whom were discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," to cities across the nation to speak out against the discriminatory policy.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
FROM AN SLDN NEWS RELEASE March 2, 2009
Legislation to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Introduced in House
SLDN Praises Rep. Tauscher, Makes Announcement at Washington Think Tank
WASHINGTON, DC--Today Rep. Ellen Tauscher ( D-CA ) will introduce a bill to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly. She makes this critical announcement at the Center for American Progress at 2:00pm EST.
"Rep. Tauscher's bill will significantly improve our military readiness by allowing highly qualified linguists, medics, and intelligence analysts to serve openly in the armed forces," said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. "SLDN, as well as the 12,500 people who have been discharged under the law and the 3,000 men and women each year who choose not to enlist or re-enlist because of the law, owe the congresswoman our sincere gratitude."
The Military Enhancement Readiness Act ( MREA ) repeals the current ban on military service by openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans, commonly referred to as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It would replace the current law with new provisions prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Armed Forces. Last year, the MREA had 149 bipartisan cosponsors.
"This law has failed our country and our military for 15 years," said Rep. Tauscher. "It harms military readiness and discriminates against patriotic young men and women who want to serve their country. It's time for Congress to right this wrong."
Rep. Tauscher will be announcing her legislation at the Center for American Progress, 1333 H Street NW, 10th Floor, Washington, D.C.
"There is a window of opportunity to get repeal done this year," said Sarvis. "We urge the Commander-in-Chief to lead on this issue, particularly at a time, as reported last week by the Associated Press, when the Pentagon itself concluded the U.S. military is stressed, stretched, and strained."
SLDN is working with key allies to introduce parallel legislation in the U.S. Senate.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is a national, non-profit legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and related forms of intolerance. A journalists' guide to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is available at SLDN.org
