OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Baldwin Statement on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Hearing

Statement

Date: July 23, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity


Baldwin Statement on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Hearing

In a much-awaited and historic meeting, the House Armed Services Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee is holding a hearing today to review the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Since 1993, more than 11,000 service members have been discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which bans military service by openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans. Before today's hearing, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), co-chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus, issued the following statement:

"Due to this discriminatory policy, thousands of dedicated service members have been forced out of the military, depriving our nation of their needed skills. I deplore ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and applaud Subcommittee Chair Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) for holding this open forum to review the harmful policy. It is my sincere hope that this hearing will lay the groundwork for Congressional action to end discrimination against gays and lesbians in our armed forces."


Source
arrow_upward