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SLDN Statement on DADT Repeal Oversight Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2011

Zeke Stokes: (202) 621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
Paul DeMiglio: (202) 621-5408 or paul@sldn.org

Washington, D.C. – Statement by Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis, regarding today’s House Armed Services Committee (HASC) hearing on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) repeal implementation:

“We are within hours of a government shutdown which is going to have adverse and unintended consequences on our fighting men and women in uniform. And yet, repeal opponents felt the need this afternoon to spend precious time on how to prevent gays and lesbians from serving openly and honestly in our military. Mind you, we are talking about gay and lesbian service members already in Iraq and Afghanistan who could well give their lives or limbs for this country. I am compelled to ask: Have they no shame, no sense of priorities?

“Today’s hearing is yet another attempt by the committee’s new majority to defund, delay, and derail the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Unfortunately, however, it also represents more than that. It’s indicative of an ongoing and coordinated effort by opponents of repeal to undermine the integrity of this process and make repeal – already decided in a bi-partisan way by the Congress, the Pentagon, the President, and the American people – a political football for the 2012 election season. We commend the service chiefs for their efforts and testimony as we work together toward certification and repeal.

“Our fight to end ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is clearly not over, and we will remain on the front lines until the job is done. It’s particularly unfortunate that the full committee chairman, Mr. McKeon, has decided to become a party to this ugly cabal to play politics with our men and women in uniform. This has traditionally been a bi-partisan committee, but under the current leadership of McKeon and Wilson, that sane and sensible approach is at risk.”

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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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