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Secretary Panetta Releases Historic Pride Video
For immediate release: Friday, June 15, 2012
Contact: Zeke Stokes at (202) 621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
(Washington, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today responded to an historic video released by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, in recognition of LGBT Pride Month.
"A year ago, our brave gay and lesbian service members were still serving in silence due to the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. Today, in this historic message, Secretary Panetta has affirmed their invaluable contributions to our nation's military and in doing so, shined a bright light on how far we have progressed toward full LGBT equality in our military. There is still more to do, but today we pause to celebrate all men and women in uniform and their patriotic service," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
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 SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination.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. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
