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SLDN Statement on Senate Passage of NDAA
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Contact:
Zeke Stokes (SLDN): 202.621.5406 or zeke@sldn.org
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis released the following statement today in response to the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate. The bill, as passed, does not contain language included in the House-passed bill via amendments from Rep. Vicky Hartzer (R-MO) and Rep. Todd Akin (D-MO) that would reaffirm the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as applicable to members of the armed forces and limit use of facilities and participation of military personnel in same-sex marriage ceremonies. The bill will now go to conference committee, where differences will be addressed.
“SLDN is pleased the Senate has taken a responsible path and passed its National Defense Authorization Act without harmful language included by the House that is really nothing more than an assault on our nation’s senior military leaders and rank-and-file service members, who are implementing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' successfully. The House version represents a partisan political attempt to interject the same-sex marriage debate and other unrelated social issues into the NDAA where they have no place. At SLDN, we urge the leadership to appoint conferees who will see this stunt for what it is and reject this language in conference."
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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 SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination.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.
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.
