The Momentum Builds in the House of Representatives
“We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country. We should be celebrating their willingness to step forward and show such courage ... especially when we are fighting two wars.”
These words were spoken by our Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama, last Saturday as he pledged once again to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” One day later, an estimated 200,000 people descended on Washington, marching to the Capitol and demanding equality for all. I was among that group last Sunday, and since then I can tell you that here in Washington, and on the Hill, you can feel a surge…people are beginning to pick up on the urgency and intensity for repeal. This momentum is reflected in the number of cosponsors that have signed onto the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, HR 1283, over the past week. Late last night, Kurt Schrader of Oregon joined fellow freshman colleagues, Bill Foster of Illinois and Scott Murphy of New York (a member of the Armed Services Committee) as cosponsors of the bill. Along with Charles Rangel of New York, that is four cosponsors in just three days.
What does this mean? We must work even harder for our brave LGBT patriots silently serving our country. The opposition has sensed a change in the air and is rearing its ugly head. In case you missed it, check out what Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas said last week about those who wish to serve and protect our country. Yes, it’s true, he compares gay and lesbian service members to pedophiles, necrophiliacs, and zoophiles. His comments were not made on a talk show program, or in some town hall. These shameful comments were made, unbelievably, on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Please help us push back against our opposition. Donate as much money or time that you possibly can. And please, please, please click on the button above “Keep up the Pressure,” to find your state and see if your member is on board. There you will find out how to contact your member of Congress and direct them to push for the passage of HR 1283.
10-16-09 By Jeremy Wilson-Simerman, Legislative Manager |
2 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Helena Hansen on October 20, 2009 at 06.46 am
hello SLDN I have posted a fake name because I am currently in the armed forces and I do not wish to out myself in fear of possible reprisals I am just responding to say to you and all who read this message myself and countless other members serving in that of all branches are extremely greatful and thankful for all that you are doing for those of us who are silently serving in the ranks at my base I know of at least 40 homosexuals or bisexuals and each day we live in fear of “Getting Caught being who we are” being in the millitary has been my dream of since the 6th grade but I have also been a lesbian since I was seven yet I still chose to join for various reasons because I thought it would be easy to hide who I am in order to get where I wanted in life but I have to say this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in life because before I joined I have been openly gay since 13 my I am now 19 mom found out when I was 11 she never accepted it because she is extremely religious but I still never had to hide until now and it’s very hard so please for the sake of me and anyone else like me please continue to fight for us because we are not allowed to fight for ourselves thank you and I apologize for this long message I just have very passionate feelings about this issue.
Nathan Babcock in Coleman, Michigan on October 18, 2009 at 08.14 pm
I’m glad to see people are pulling their head out of their ass and fighting for equality. Keep up the good work sldn.