December, 09 2010, 03:57pm EDT
Equality California Disappointed with Failed U.S. Senate Vote on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
WASHINGTON
Today in a 57-40 vote, the U.S. Senate voted against a motion to proceed to debate on the National Defense Authorization Act, which contains a provision to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the discriminatory federal policy that prevents openly gay and lesbian people from serving in the military.
In response, Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors issued the following statement:
"Today's vote was yet another appalling move by the Republicans to hold hostage the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and lack of leadership from Democrats to pass this critical bill. It is absolutely disgraceful that brave men and women who sacrifice dearly to defend our nation are subject to such flagrant discrimination under the law, and the Senate should be ashamed for failing to do away with this vile policy that should have been repealed long ago.
"Given the failure of Congress to do its job, it is time for President Obama to immediately end the disgraceful discharges of brave soldiers, stop the appeal of court decisions overturning Don't Ask, Don't Tell and to honor his oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. If he fails to act, we need to work to elect a president who will."
Last May, the California legislature passed a resolution (AJR 9) with bi-partisan support calling on Congress and the president for immediate repeal of DADT. The resolution was sponsored by Equality California and was introduced by California State Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego).
To learn more about Equality California-sponsored legislation, please visit: www.eqca.org/legislation
Equality California is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-based, statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to achieve equality and civil rights for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Californians.
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