"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal

PRESS RELEASE
Press Contacts:
Randi Romo, Center for Artistic Revolution, 501-258-3186
Casey Willits, NWA Center for Equality, 479-283-1336

LITTLE ROCK and FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (May 26, 2010) – The NWA Center for Equality and the Center for Artistic Revolution (CAR) are calling upon ALL Arkansans to ask their Senators and Representatives to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

The discriminatory policy, issued under President Clinton, has ruined the careers of over 13,000 LGBT servicemembers while also depriving the military of personnel who are highly qualified to do their jobs.

Repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell will allow the over 66,000 LGBT members currently on active military duty to serve their country openly and with integrity. No one should have to live a lie and live in fear in order to serve and protect their country.

Congress is expected to vote on the repeal this week, perhaps as early as today. We must urge our legislators to end the discriminatory policy known as Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Congressional switchboard—202-224-3121

Senator Lincoln’s Washington office—202-224-4843
Little Rock office—501-375-2993
Fayetteville office—479-251-1224
Senator Pryor’s Washington office—202-224-2353
Little Rock office—501-324-6336

Representative Berry’s office—202-225-4076
Representative Snyder’s office—202-225-2506
Representative Boozman’s office—202-225-4301
Representative Ross’s office—202-225-3772

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1283, S. 3065)

On March 3, 2010, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (S. 3065) in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Lieberman is joined by 32 cosponsors -- including the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Carl Levin (D-MI). In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) is quarterbacking parallel legislation, also known as the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1283). Rep. Murphy is joined by 191 bipartisan cosponsors and counting.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act would repeal the federal law banning military service by openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The bill would replace this ban with new provisions prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the armed forces. Current regulations regarding the personal conduct of military members would remain unchanged as long as they are written and enforced in a sexual orientation neutral manner. Persons previously discharged on the basis of sexual orientation would be eligible to apply to rejoin the military. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act would not create a right to benefits for same-sex partners or spouses, because under current federal law such benefits would violate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network's About "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Servicemembers United's website