News Archive
New Law Journal Article Examines Impact of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on Same-Sex Families
WASHINGTON, DC - A newly published article in the Duke Journal of Gender Law and Policy examines the impact of the federal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law on the families of lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. The article, Silent Sacrifices: The Impact of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" On Lesbian And Gay Military Families, was authored by Rebecca Sawyer, Senior Communications Associate for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), and Kathi Westcott, the organization's Deputy Director for Law. The piece highlights the experiences of three former SLDN clients - former Air Force Major Scott Hines, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Peggy Laneri, and retired Army Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Schmalz and the obstacles their families faced while they were serving in the United States military. ...Read More
New Poll Shows 8 Out of 10 Americans Favor Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Washington, DC - A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released today shows 79% support for repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. Only 18% of respondents thought lesbian and gay service personnel should not be allowed to serve openly. ...Read More
Department of Defense Issues Revised Statement About “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
The Department of Defense has issued a newly worded statement regarding the Pentagon's position on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell,"the federal ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service personnel. The new statement, first released to a reporter with the LGBT newsmagazine The Advocate, includes the first language from Pentagon leaders suggesting that lesbian and gay service personnel should continue to use their skills in support of national security efforts, even after facing dismissal under the law. ...Read More
Chicago Salutes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Veterans
WHAT: 'With Justice for All,' Chicago's salute to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans and service members and call for repeal of the federal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. The event is presented by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Veterans' Affairs and the Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. ...Read More
SLDN Salutes New Advocacy Film about ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ from Brave New Foundation
Washington, D.C. - Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) joined representatives of the Brave New Foundation at the Take Back America Conference in Washington today for the debut of a new film and web advocacy campaign aimed at building grassroots support for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the military's ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel. The film, also available online at www.lifttheban.org, features Stephen Benjamin, a former Arabic linguist and SLDN client dismissed under the law. SLDN, along with other organizations, has joined the Foundation in launching an online petition to Congress and an aggressive outreach and education program about the issue of gays in the military. ...Read More
Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher to Become Lead Sponsor of Legislation to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee and a long-time Congressional advocate on military issues, will succeed Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) as the lead sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246) when Mr. Meehan leaves the House of Representatives later this summer. The legislation, originally introduced in 2005, would repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel. Rep. Tauscher was an original co-sponsor of the legislation that is currently supported by a bi-partisan coalition of 127 lawmakers. ...Read More
Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher to Make Major Announcement Regarding “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
WHAT: A media conference call regarding a significant development in the Congressional effort to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' ...Read More
Report Suggests Pace Departure Linked to Comments on Gays in the Military
Washington, DC - CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr reported this evening that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Peter Pace's departure from that post may be linked to his recent comments regarding lesbian and gay military personnel. According to Starr's report, Pace's comments, along with his role in planning the war in Iraq and his support for convicted Vice Presidential advisor I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, played key roles in Congressional opposition to Pace's re-nomination. "His recent statements that he believed homosexual statements are immoral presented a significant problem for Pace," according to Starr. ...Read More
Navy Assigns Openly Gay Sailor to Reserves
Washington, DC - The United States Navy has again assigned an openly gay sailor to duty in the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR), according to paperwork obtained by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). Former Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Knight, a Hebrew linguist recently deployed to Kuwait, has been placed on IRR duty until April 2009, despite publicly "coming out" in national media outlets and being told he would receive a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"dismissal. Knight's dismissal form, also called a DD-214, again lists his reason for dismissal as "Completion of Service," and places him in the IRR. The classification allows him to again be called to active duty, as he was in 2006 after completing a four-year enlistment in the Navy. Knight has now served openly during two tours with the Navy, with the support of his command and colleagues. ...Read More
Republican Presidential Candidates Support Dismissal of Lesbian & Gay Military Personnel
Washington, DC - During a Tuesday evening debate on CNN, the 2008 Republican presidential candidates indicated they would maintain the federal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service personnel. Speaking in New Hampshire, many of the leading candidates said they believed the policy "is working," in stark contrast to remarks on Sunday by Democratic candidates, who unanimously supported repealing the law. ...Read More
