Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Getting 110 in the 110th Congress!

Yesterday Congressman Marty Meehan reintroduced a bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and rid this country once and for all the only federal law requiring discrimination against lesbians, gays and bisexuals. 110 members – over 1/4 - of the House have signed on to the bill. This is an amazing achievement! The Democrats have just taken charge, new Members are still hiring their staff, committees are regrouping and pushing hard with hearings – how did we get so many members on so quickly? I’ve been on board at SLDN as Policy Advocate (read “lobbyist”) just one month. In that time we moved from 40 to 110 cosponsors on the bill. How did we do it? These things don’t just happen. I’ve been blessed to “parachute” into an organization that is well-organized and strategic and staffed by clear-headed, hard-working, extremely skilled individuals. Through research, legal services, litigation, policy, and meticulous documentation of the devastation wreaked by “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” since 1993, they have created the groundwork for SLDN’s exceptional media work and outreach to key audiences we need on our side to change the policy – retired top military brass, the general public, and finally, Congress. After years of working on federal issues from Chicago, I decided I wanted to work as a lobbyist in DC to help hold the new Democrat-led Congress accountable for its promises to the American people. I wanted to work for an organization that had rock solid research credentials, a positive media presence, and credibility so that I could actually be part of getting something done. SLDN was the only organization I applied to, and luckily, I got the job. So for a month I’ve been urging members of Congress supportive on the issue to prioritize signing on to the legislation among their many pressing priorities. With SLDN’s policy team, Rep. Meehan’s wonderful staff, Bob Kearney at HRC, DC’s close-knit community of gay rights groups, and many vets, gay and straight, putting their all into this battle, we got 110 in the 110th before the end of February. (It hasn’t hurt that media coverage has been strong and extremely supportive – reporters just don’t seem to fathom how such a ridiculous policy can still be in place!) Now we move on to convincing less supportive members of Congress to catch up to the American people and oppose federally sanctioned discrimination against those courageously serving our country! We’ll be adding more House members to the bill and introducing a bill in the Senate over the coming months. To join us in the effort, please come to our lobby day March 26, or even sign up to advocate from home. This is the year to make the difference. For more info, go to www.sldn.org and click on “SLDN Lobby Day 2007." - Julie Kruse

Labels: Congress, in the news, legislation, Lobby Day, Meehan

03-01-07