Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

San Diego Stands up for the Freedom to Serve

The San Diego City Council voted Tuesday to support equality in the U.S. Armed Forces by unanimously approving a resolution that supports a federal bill (HR 1283) to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. The personal testimonies given on the side of supporting the resolution far outnumbered those that opposed it. SLDN testimony was led by COL Stewart Bornhoft, USA (Ret), West Point Graduate, and member of SLDN's Military Advisory Council (MAC). He gave compelling testimony as to why the San Diego City Council should take up a resolution on a federal issue. He explained how the Department of Defense is the only department in the federal government where discrimination is encoded in law and how this impacts a military city such as San Diego. I also shared how my 11-year career as an active duty Naval officer was impacted by the DADT law, and why I made the decision to separate because of the discrimination imposed on me under DADT. Both COL Bornhoft and I cited the huge cost and investment to train service members who are making invaluable contributions, only to be unjustly forced out of service when we are needed most.

Our testimony was joined by that of CAPT Eric McDonald, USN (Ret), Ben Gomez representing American Veterans for Equal Rights (AMVER), Evelyn Thomas, and Elizabeth Quillian. CAPT McDonald spoke of the irony of how those who are asked to protect freedom are also denied these freedoms and not able to access essential support services for service members and loved ones that they themselves are developing and providing, because they happen to be gay. Ben powerfully spoke about the severe emotional impact the DADT law had on him as he was forced to process discharges of other service members under DADT. Some of those same service members being discharged were also even driven to commit suicide. The numbers of those requesting to speak in favor of passing the resolution was so great that the vote was in jeopardy of being delayed until the afternoon session. In order to see the vote happen, more than several individuals waived their right to speak.

Council members Todd Gloria and Carl DeMaio, both openly gay, spoke powerfully about why the Council should vote on an issue such as this and why they should vote in favor of repealing DADT and even showed a compelling and emotional video on how relationships and individuals in and out of the military are adversely affected by DADT. DeMaio stated that the resolution was completely in sync with the long tradition of San Diego supporting service members. Gloria, who sponsored the resolution, spoke about the importance of taking up this issue as it has an impact on their constituents that is deep and unjust. He also pointed out how 13,000 service members have been unjustly discharged simply because of who they are. Michael Magee, SLDN board member, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure this resolution made it through the Council process and was approved.

This unanimous vote show that leaders of a city with such a large military presence understand that DADT is a discriminatory policy that adversely affects their constituents, along with negatively impacting the readiness of the military. This sends a clear message that our national leaders need to take immediate action to reverse it.

06-23-09 By LCDR Craig Wilgenbusch, USNR, SLDN Military Advisory Council |