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Seeking Call for Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in Party Platforms

WASHINGTON, DC – The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) urged the Democratic and Republican parties to adopt inclusive platforms that call for an end to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that forbids service by open lesbians, gays and bisexuals in the U.S. armed forces. SLDN supports the endorsement of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would institute non-discrimination in the military.

SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis said, “The platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties can lead to the strengthening of our military and addressing an important civil rights issue. This presidential election year provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of the ineffective and unfair ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law.”

Since 1992, more than 12,500 service personnel have been discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” including more than 800 ‘mission critical’ troops, according to a 2005 Government Accountability Office report.

The Democratic Platform Committee will meet in Pittsburgh on Saturday, August 9 to solidify its recommendations to the Democratic National Convention. Sarvis added that, “SLDN is grateful for the leadership of Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Chair of the DNC Platform Drafting Committee, in working with us. Her efforts have elevated ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to a more visible position within the Democratic Party. We will seek similar support within the Republican Party.”

Statistician Gary Gates of the Williams Institute at UCLA estimates that there are currently 65,000 gays serving in the armed forces.  According to Gates, an additional 41,000 lesbian and gay Americans may enlist for military service if the ban were repealed.

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