Achieving Equality and Fairness in the Armed Forces
What’s next for SLDN and LGBT Military Service?
• SLDN fought for and won repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), demonstrating the organization’s capacity to effectively lobby, organize, advocate, and litigate to advance equality in the armed forces. Now, SLDN is working to end the discrimination that remains in our military.
• SLDN has filed landmark litigation on behalf of legally married gay and lesbian service members and veterans, who are denied equal recognition, benefits and family support. The lawsuit challenges the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), as well as other statutes that prevent the military from providing these benefits to all service members and veterans, regardless of sexual orientation. To learn more about the case, click here.
• SLDN’s work to achieve equality and fairness in the armed forces includes:
- Keeping the faces of gay and lesbian service members before the American public and decision makers in Washington, DC, as they now serve openly, yet continue to fight discrimination.
- Advocating in the courts, on Capitol Hill and at the White House for legally married service members to receive the same family recognition, support and benefits as their straight married peers.
- Calling on the Obama Administration to issue an executive order or Department of Defense directive to prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation. Such an action would provide LGBT service members with recourse outside their chain of command if they are experiencing harassment or discrimination.
- Assisting veterans to correct or upgrade their discharge paperwork and removing barriers to future employment. If you are a veteran seeking more information or legal assistance, please visit this page or call our hotline at 1-800-538-7148.
- Fighting for full LGBT equality and fairness in the armed forces
SLDN’s legal services for LGBT service members and veterans affected by discrimination or harassment are always free. For legal help, call our hotline at 1-800-538-7148 or complete this form.
