Latest News
SLDN Praises Obama for SOTU Guest, Reminds Americans LGBT Service Members Still Not Equal
Sarvis: A clear victory for equality, but there's more work to do
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Contact:
Zeke Stokes: 202.621.5406 or zeke@sldn.org
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director, Army Veteran Aubrey Sarvis, issued the following statement regarding the selection of Air Force Col. Ginger Wallace of McLean, VA, an out lesbian service member, to be seated with First Lady Michelle Obama when President Obama delivers his third State of the Union address tonight:
"This is a clear victory in the fight to achieve full equality for service members. In his 2010 State of the Union, President Obama committed to repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and indeed, it would not have been possible without his determination to do so. Even as we celebrate this milestone tonight, let us not forget that our work is far from done. While gay and lesbian service members may now serve openly if they choose, they are still not serving equally. They are without the same protections from harassment and discrimination that are afforded others, and legally married gay and lesbian service members do not receive the same recognition, support, and benefits for their families as their straight married counterparts. We must keep fighting until the mission is complete."
####
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 SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination.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 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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.
