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SLDN Responds to Assessments from Service Chiefs on DADT Repeal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2011
Zeke Stokes: (803) 479-0439 (cell) / (202) 621-5406 (office) or zeke@sldn.org
Paul DeMiglio: (202) 621-5408 (office) or paul@sldn.org

SLDN Responds to Assessments from Service Chiefs on DADT Repeal
Sarvis: We now need formal certification from the President, Secretary Panetta and Admiral Mullen

(Washington, DC) Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis issued the following in response to reports that the service secretaries, service chiefs and combatant commanders have delivered their assessments on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) repeal to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen.

“At SLDN, we are encouraged by the delivery of these assessments and recommendations on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to Secretary Panetta and Chairman Mullen. To end the confusion among troops and in the courts, we need the formal certification from the President, Secretary Panetta, and Admiral Mullen, and that document should go up to Capitol Hill and to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit within days.”

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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 Panetta, and Admiral Mullen. Click here to read our warning to service members.

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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