Several months ago, while creating our Iraq Veterans Memorial, one of our producers came across a startling fact: Over 11,000 service members had been discharged from the military in the past 14 years. Why? It seemed nearly impossible that when the military was in need of people willing to serve their country that so many would be discharged. Were they tired of the military? Was it insubordination? Sickness or disease? No, it was simply because of their sexual orientation. These 11,000 service members were discharged because they are gay. We decided to take action. After a few calls to some great organizations (who are all partnered with us on this campaign) we found out more about "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the fight to lift the ban.

After watching Stephen Benjamin's story, we hope that you are as disturbed by the inability for gays to openly serve in the US military as we are. (You can also read more about Stephen’s experiences and call to lift the ban in his New York Times op-ed, "Don't Ask, Don’t Translate.") Please sign the petition to have your Member of Congress sign on to the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. It is important for the United States to join the ranks of other nations who are fighting alongside us and allow lesbians and gays to serve openly.

American Family Voices American Veterans for Equal Rights California Council of Churches

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Log Cabin Republicans National Center for Lesbian Rights National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

National Organization for Women People For the American Way Progressive Democrats of America

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