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Sarvis Fires Back at Members of Congress Criticizing Pride Participation
For immediate release:
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Contact: Zeke Stokes
at 202.621.5406 or zeke@sldn.org
(Washington, D.C.) Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today fired back at some members of Congress, who in recent days have criticized the guidance put forth by the Department of Defense that paved the way for gay and lesbian service members to march in uniform in the San Diego LGBT Pride parade over the weekend.
"The guidance issued by DOD was not an exception to policy, as some have insisted, but a clarification of longstanding and existing uniform and public affairs standards. Military members participate in a variety of non-political events and parades in uniform, from large events celebrating St. Patrick's Day in New York City to smaller events like the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade in Colorado Springs. There is no difference in political character between these events and the San Diego Pride parade, and DOD's clarifying guidance reflected that reality. It is troubling that a few members of Congress refuse to accept that openly gay and lesbian service members can also be proud of their service, and continue to attempt to relegate these brave military members and their families to second-class citizenship in the military community," said Sarvis.
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ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
