Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Roundup of Where Things Stand

This morning in AMERICAblog’s “Open Thread,” Joe Sudbay provided a preview of what could come next in the case of Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, a decorated combat aviator:

Today, we expect a federal judge in Boise will rule on Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach's Temporary Restraining Order. If the Pentagon and Department of Justice actually think that DADT will be repealed, this should be a no-brainer. But, we've seen time and time again that the Obama administration continues to defend DADT even as it discharges service members using that discriminatory policy. Actions here don't match the President's words or promises.

The Washington Post also ran a story this morning by Ed O’Keefe on Lt. Col. Fehrenbach’s filing. His piece highlights the support Lt. Col. Fehrenbach is receiving from his military family:

"Everybody on my base knows my story, and I think everybody in the Air Force knows it," Fehrenbach said Thursday in an interview. "And I've gotten absolutely zero negative reaction and nothing but positive support, comments, remarks and letters from thousands of people all over the world."

The case of Lt. Col. Fehrenbach shows that discharges under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will not end until the Senate votes for full repeal:

Fehrenbach's discharge should remind gay and lesbian service members that "don't ask, tell" remains law until Congress repeals the policy, SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis said. The House included a repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" in its version of the annual defense spending bill this year. The Senate may take up its version shortly after the body's August recess, according to aides.

Help get out the message for repeal by going to www.sldn.org/victor, and tell both your senators to end discrimination so heroes like Lt. Col. Fehrenbach can defend our country: www.sldn.org/HelpVictor.

08-13-10 By Paul DeMiglio, Senior Communications Manager |