Human Rights Campaign Statement on the End of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"

[pinto]

Statement from Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese -

9/19/2011
Washington

“Tomorrow is a historic day for gay and lesbian service members and our nation as a whole. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was a stain on our nation – not only did it damage our military readiness and national security, but it sent a message that discrimination based upon sexual orientation was acceptable. We know that not to be the case – discrimination accomplishes nothing and tears at the fabric of our country’s strength.

“Beginning tomorrow, gay and lesbian service members previously discharged under DADT will have the opportunity to re-enlist. Gay and lesbian Americans eager to serve the country but not willing to compromise who they are as individuals will, for the first time ever, be able to openly join. And brave men and women currently serving will have the freedom to come out and be honest with their comrades about who they are and who they love.

“Despite this progress, much work remains to ensure full equality in the military. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will prohibit gay and lesbian service members and their spouses from receiving many of the benefits their straight counterparts receive. Limiting regulations also impact areas like military family housing, access to legal services, and spousal relocation support. We also are continuing to deal with an infrastructure ill-prepared to handle incidents of discrimination and harassment against gay and lesbian service members. It is incumbent upon fair-minded legislators to continue pushing equality forward by standing up to discriminatory legislative tactics, pushing for repeal of DOMA, examining barriers to service for qualified and dedicated transgender Americans, and ensuring gay and lesbian military families get the same access to benefits as everyone else.

“This was a hard-fought victory, and supporters of equality should feel proud. But we cannot lose sight of the challenges that remain – from passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to bar employment discrimination in every workplace, to bringing an end to DOMA through the Respect for Marriage Act, and to combatting anti-gay activities and rhetoric from political leaders and hate groups. This is indeed a historic moment, but we remain focused on the work ahead.”

http://www.hrc.org/15897.htm

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. Stupid me.

Thought it was the other HRC.

Probably not a coincidence.

[pinto]

3. Missed that possibility. I always read HRC as Harm Reduction Coalition, fwiw.

It's a nation-wide network of legal syringe exchange programs. I belong to both groups...

I've finally labelled my computer files "HarmRC" and "HumanRC" for clarity. And edited my OP to be clearer here. :hi:

[William769]

2. One thing that pisses me off is that people forget pre 1993.

Yes Don't ask Don't tell was not very good, but given the times & what was already in place it was a stepping stone to get us where we are today.

People Blame Bill Clinton for Don't ask Don't tell, I congratulate him.

Yes I was there on the march on Washington in 1993. I have a sharp memory of what happened & what was to come.

[pinto]

4. Agree with you on that. A "stepping stone" at that time and place.

:hi: