Latest News
Statement by SLDN Executive Director on Dr. Stanley Confirmation Hearing
SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis responded to the confirmation hearing for Marine General Clifford Stanley (Ret.), nominated by President Obama to be Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. This office historically handles “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” within the Pentagon.
SLDN is disappointed Dr. Clifford Stanley punted on several questions regarding “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this morning. When given the opportunity by Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.) to support his commander in chief’s position to overturn the ban, Dr. Stanley did not do so. However, as is the case with most nominees, Dr. Stanley did not delve into any of the policy issues in his portfolio. We look forward to Dr. Stanley becoming fully aligned with President Obama on repeal. The President has said the right words but some of his chief lieutenants may not have heard those words. The fact remains that a 2010 repeal has never been more promising.
Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) opening statement today on repeal was troubling. The Senator said he believes the law is “working successfully.” The facts and record show DADT is not working. More than 13,500 service members have been discharged under DADT and thousands more leave the services every year because of the ban. Nearly a quarter of service members, according to a recent report by the RAND Corp., know a member of their unit is gay. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to make the case to the Senator that the law is not working and that 58 percent of conservatives support allowing gays to serve openly.
