In Congress
The Path to Repeal
Our focus is on the Senate. Click here to read SLDN's nationwide action alert asking members and supporters to call their Senators and urge them to back repeal.
But even after the full Senate votes, we would still have a long way to go. Click here to learn more about the certification process and the path to open service.
Repeal Amendment Added to Defense Authorization Act
On May 27, 2010, an amendment that would allow for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was successfully attached to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in both the House of Representatives and Senate Armed Services Committee. The next day, May 28, the House passed their version of the NDAA. The Senate could begin debate on their version of the NDAA in July. Both bills include an amendment to eventually repeal DADT.
To read the full House amendment text, click here.
To read the full Senate amendment text, click here.
Click here to see the roll call vote in the House of Representatives.
Click here for a vote breakdown in the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Watch floor speeches on the House of Representatives by clicking here.
What’s next in Congress
SLDN will be working to shore up a filibuster proof majority, 60 Senate votes, so that the Senate can proceed to consideration of the NDAA.
Even with a filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority, SLDN will be watching closely for any crippling amendments offered on the floor and a “motion to strike” that could allow repeal opponents to remove the repeal language from the defense bill.
On June 8, SLDN launched action alerts to shore up support in the Senate. Supporters of repeal are urged to contact their senators now: http://bit.ly/92i7HL
Warning to service members
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is still the law at this point. Service members can still be discharged.
Read SLDN’s warnings to active-duty service members, including the reserves and national guard: www.sldn.org/StillAtRisk.
As The New York Daily News and MSNBC's Rachel Maddow have both highlighted, SLDN has been sending warnings to active-duty service members, in every branch, to make sure they know it is not safe to come out of the closet.
The Washington Post recently reported gay and lesbian service members impacted by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" continue to rely on SLDN for legal assistance and advice: “For some gay soldiers, the current debate surrounding "don't ask, don't tell" has proved tough to manage emotionally. The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which provides legal representation to gay members of the military, said it has seen a spike in calls to its hotline in recent months. Troops, the group says, are seeking legal advice and a forum to vent frustration.”
To contact the SLDN hotline call (202) 328-3244 ext. 100 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
