Equality California Hails Federal Court Decision Striking Down "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

A
federal judge in Riverside yesterday struck down the discriminatory
federal policy barring gays and lesbians from serving openly in the
military. U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Phillips said the ban violated
the first amendment and due process rights of gay and lesbian service
members. The judge will issue an injunction to halt the policy, but the
Justice Department can appeal.

In response, Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors issued the following statement:

"We
sincerely hope this ruling paves the way for the permanent dismantling
of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' an antiquated policy that keeps patriotic,
courageous soldiers from serving openly and honestly in the military.
Sexual orientation has nothing to do with a soldier's ability to serve
his or her country, and those who have dedicated themselves in service
of our nation should be able to serve with dignity and freedom from
discrimination.

"We
urge the Department of Justice not to appeal this historic ruling, and
we implore Congress and President Obama to cease the discharges of brave
soldiers and to immediately repeal this damaging policy."

In
May, the California Assembly passed a resolution (SJR-9) calling for
the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell." Introduced by Senator Christine
Kehoe (D-San Diego) in 2009 and sponsored by Equality California, the
resolution calls on the U.S. Congress to pass and President Obama to
immediately sign the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which
would end the policy and allow gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans to
serve openly in the armed forces.

"Don't
Ask, Don't Tell" was first authorized in 1994. Since that time, more
than 13,500 service members have been discharged under the policy,
including more than 800 specialists serving in 'critical operations,'
such as counterintelligence, medicine, and translation. According to a
General Accounting Office report, 323 language specialists have been
discharged, resulting in a critical shortage of qualified translators in
intelligence gathering posts.

More than 24 other nations currently allow gay, lesbian and bisexual
individuals to serve openly in their militaries, including Canada and
the United Kingdom, alongside whom American forces have served in
combat. Recent public opinion polls show that a majority of both the
American public and active service members believe the policy should be
overturned and that gay and lesbian Americans should be allowed to serve
openly in the military.

To find out more information about EQCA's legislation, visit eqca.org/legislation.