U.S. House passes 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal measure
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force commends the U.S. House passage today of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal legislation. The House passed repeal language back in May as part of the defense spending bill, which has been blocked in the Senate. A separate "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal measure was introduced this week in the House, and last week in the Senate, following a filibuster of the National Defense Authorization Act, which included the repeal provision.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
"We thank the House for once again stepping up and showing leadership on this critical issue of fairness. House members who supported 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal today understand that the lives and careers of qualified and patriotic service members hang in the balance. They know, as do three-quarters of Americans, that this discriminatory policy is unnecessary, costly and unfair. This vote moves us closer to ending a shameful chapter in our nation's history, and toward creating a path that could end in men and women being able to serve openly, honestly, and to great benefit of our country. We urge the Senate to do its part and pass repeal legislation. It's long past time to stop playing politics with the thousands of patriotic men and women willing to risk their lives by serving in the military."
