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SLDN Releases Statement on the Eve of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Joining Forces” Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2011
Zeke Stokes: (202) 621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
Paul DeMiglio: (202) 621-5408 or paul@sldn.org

SLDN Releases Statement on the Eve of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Joining Forces” Launch
Sarvis: “Mrs. Obama, the President, and the service chiefs all recognize that gay and lesbian service members are serving today, and that they have families who should be recognized.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today released the following statement regarding the scheduled launch tomorrow of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Joining Forces” initiative in support of military families:

“I have no doubt the First Lady shares the President’s goal of seeing open military service a reality this year. Mrs. Obama, the President, and the service chiefs all recognize that gay and lesbian service members are serving today, and that they have families who should be recognized. In fact, the Comprehensive Review Working Group created an opportunity for their voices to be heard in a confidential manner.

“Unfortunately, because ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is still the law, our LGB service members and their families will probably not be an official part of this week’s public activities. However, the First Lady’s welcomed visits to our military bases underscore why we need certification and repeal sooner rather than later, hopefully before the end of this quarter. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network looks forward to Mrs. Obama having the opportunity to sit down with LGB service members and their families later this year when Don’t Ask is no longer the law. We believe the First Lady also looks forward to that opportunity once repeal is in place. In the interim, I remain confident that Mrs. Obama and the President value the unselfish contributions and sacrifices our LGB military families are making today and will find appropriate ways to acknowledge them this week.”

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STILL AT RISK: Despite the President signing the bill authorizing repeal of DADT, it is still unsafe for service members to come out until 60 days after certification by President Obama, Secretary Gates, and Admiral Mullen. Warning to service members: www.SLDN.org/StillAtRisk

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: 202-328-3244 x100.

ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) was established in 1993 when “Don’t Ask” originally passed. In addition to working on repeal, SLDN offers free, confidential legal services to those impacted by the discriminatory law. Last year the organization received its 10,000th call for assistance to its legal hotline.

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