Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

In the Navy

Yes, it's true. Jason Knight, the openly gay sailor who has been speaking out against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' is still, technically, in the Navy. As the newspaper Stars & Stripes reports this morning, Jason recently received his DD-214 paperwork, marking the end of his return to active duty. But, much to his suprise (and ours), Jason has been placed back into the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) until 2009. And there's not a mention anywhere on his paperwork about his sexual orientation. Similar discharge paperwork resulted in Jason being re-called to active duty a year ago, after completing his four-year enlistment in the Navy. At the time he left his first enlistment, Jason was also out to his command and his colleagues. Rather than dismissing him for being gay, though, the command simply marked his exit papers with a 'completion of service' designation, sent him to the IRR and made him eligible for call-up again. And they did the exact same thing this time. Jason, as always, remains ready and willing to answer the call to duty yet again, should it come. When asked by Stars & Stripes if he would accept a call-back to active service again, Jason replied, "Of course I would." And that, more than anything, may tell us why his commanders are so anxious to keep him in the service. (Photo by Rudy K. Lawidjaja) - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news, jason knight

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06-07-07 Comment (0)

Inside the Democratic Debate

Advocate.com has an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at LGBT issues in Sunday's Democratic debate, including the unanimous position among all 2008 candidates that the time has come to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The Advocate's "spin room" interviews with the candidates produced more strong responses about lifting the ban: Sen. Joseph Biden: “I would just as president of the United States end it. I would issue an executive order saying there will be no discrimination whatsoever in the military and everybody will be held to the uniform military code—so that if two gay people engage in illicit activity on the base, they’re gone; just like if two married people engage on the base, they’re gone." Gov. Bill Richardson: “I would pass legislation to end it, but I would also say to my military commanders, ‘There is not going to be any discrimination against gays and lesbians the military.’” David Bonior, campaign manager for the Edwards campaign: “[Sen. Edwards] has made his position clear that he’s opposed to the policy. He believes that sexual orientation should not be a consideration for people who are willing to give their lives to serve the country and risk their lives—that should not happen. Actually, he came out maybe three months ago with his position on that policy. He will do whatever is necessary to get it [repealed] and quickly once he is in office.” Sen. Mike Gravel, candidate: “When I met with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, I said, 'I'll do an executive order,' and they said, 'Senator, you can't do that, it's a law.' I said, 'Well, you just watch me.' Let me tell you, I've learned one thing about military people, those stars can come off as easy as they go on when you're Commander in Chief." Compared to the 1992 campaign, when the issue of gays in the military ignited a firestorm of controversy, the 2008 candidates have taken strong, bold and unequivocals stands in favor of open service. Now the question remains: Will their Republican counterparts do the same tonight when they debate? You can read The Advocate's full coverage online here. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, Hillary Clinton, in the news

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06-05-07 Comment (0)

Richardson’s Vote on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

There has been some confusion, following last night's Democratic debate, about New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's vote on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" during his time in the House of Representatives. During the debate, Richardson noted that "I voted against it as a Congressman." But this morning, The Washington Note questions Richardson's recollection of his Congressional vote. "Bill Richardson thinks that he voted against Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' I don't think that there ever was a vote -- as I believe that Clinton did this by executive order," the Note says this morning. In fact, there were several votes on the issue (and the ban was not put into place by executive order). Some readers have pointed to a vote in the House, which Richardson supported, and which passed 301-143. There was, however, another vote, considered the key sign of support for or against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," on which Richardson voted the right way. The so-called Meehan Amendment, which proposed eliminating the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy from the 1994 Defense Authorization Act, was supported by then-Congressman Richardson. That Amendment, unfortunately, failed 169-264, leaving the ban in palce as part of the full DoD authorization, but Richardson was, no question, on the side of open service when he voted on that critical proposal. So, it isn't quite correct to say that Governor Richardson wasn't with us while in the House. In fact, he did vote to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" via the Meehan proposal. Of course, what matters most is what Richardson would do as President, and he's been consistent, as a 2008 candidate, in his support for lifting the ban. And, it seems, he was correct in last night's debate, when he seems to have been referring to his vote on the Meehan Amendment, and stripping the DoD authorization bill of its proposal to continue excluding lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans from the armed forces. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, in the news

06-04-07 Comment (2)

Al Gore Remembers LGBT Military Families

Blogger Rod 2.0 has a fascintaing post up this morning about former Vice President Al Gore's recent appearance on MSNBC: Last night, Al Gore appeared on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann to discuss his new bestseller, The Assault on Reason. Olbermann asked the Vice President about Cindy Sheehan's recent decision to leave activism and her dis-satisfaction with the peace movement. "My heart goes out to all those Americans who have lost loved ones, be they children or spouse," Gore noted. "Partners or brothers or sisters ... in the war." Small but significant. Gore has often used the word "partners" as a direct reference to the many gay men and lesbians who have significant others in the armed forces. Isn't it refreshing to see a political figure who uses his capital to try to be inclusive on and off the campaign trail? ____ Gore has been a longtime friend of the LGBT community, and an advocate for repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." All of us at SLDN appreciate his remarks on MSNBC, which is a rare remembrance about the sacrifice and loss that same-sex families endure in military service, too. You can watch the complete interview with the former Vice President online here. - Steve Ralls

Labels: al gore, in the news

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06-01-07 Comment (0)

Join Jason Knight in Washington

This morning's Stars & Stripes newspaper reports on SLDN's announcement that Jason Knight will join the organization in our efforts to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Jason, who has served openly in the U.S. Navy - including during a deployment to Kuwait - will become part of our national ad campaign; speak out across the country on behalf of repeal; and meet with Congressional staffers in Washington on Tuesday afternoon. Then, on Tuesday evening, Jason will join SLDN supporters at the Women's National Democratic Club in Washington to talk about his work to support repeal and his commitment to working with SLDN to lift the ban. Jason has joined the fight against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." On Tuesday, you can join Jason in a show of support for his work. Details about Tuesday's event are on our website, here. Make plans now to join us as we welcome a passionate new voice to the cause. - Steve Ralls

Labels: events, jason knight

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06-01-07 Comment (0)