In Congress

2012 National Defense Authorization Act

The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act was signed by President Obama in December 2011, following a contentious year of debate on a number of key issues, including harmful provisions related to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), military chaplains and facilities, and the restatement of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  Throughout the process, SLDN was on the frontlines protecting the progress we have made - and protecting our nation's service members.Ultimately, harmful language from the House bill was eliminated and the only amendment included in the final version of the bill was introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) that simply affirmed existing provisions in federal law related to religious freedom of chaplains. Below is a timeline of key events leading to passage of the bill.

May 4, 2011
Veterans Call on House Armed Services Committee to Oppose Anti-DADT attempts

May 11, 2011
SLDN, Allies Oppose Anti-DADT Amendments to Annual Defense Bill 

May 11, 2011
SLDN Denounces Anti-DADT Votes by HASC on NDAA 

May 24, 2011
SLDN Commends Obama for Opposing Attempts to Delay, Derail DADT Repeal 

June 17, 2011
SLDN Hails Passage of NDAA by Senate Armed Service Committee

December 1, 2011
SLDN Welcomes Senate NDAA Passage Without Harmful House Language 

December 2, 2011
What You Need to Know About the NDAA...and What's Next?

December 12, 2011
SLDN Issues Letter to NDAA Conference Committee Leadership 

December 12, 2011
Senate language on chaplains prevails; harmful House language dropped

Respect for Marriage Act

SLDN supports the Respect for Marriage Act, currently gaining sponsors on Capitol Hill, that would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). At this stage, the bill has passed the Senate Judiciary and is awaiting further action.

November 10, 2011
SLDN Responds to Passage of Respect for Marriage Act in Senate Judiciary 

Have a question about what's happening in Congress on the issue of LGBT military equality? Contact SLDN by clicking here.