HRC Blog

Moments ago the House of Representatives voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” paving the road to the end of the 17 year old law. This historic action follows a vote for repeal in the Senate Armed Services Committee and is a tremendous step toward finally ending the ban on openly lesbian and gay service members. It was the first vote ever in the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal the ban on open service. Said HRC President Joe Solmonese: “Lawmakers today stood on the right side of history. This is a historic step to strengthen our armed forces and to restore honor and integrity to those who serve our country so selflessly.”

Moments ago we received word that the Senate Armed Services Committee voted 16-12 to repeal the failed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. This historic action is the first time Congress has ever taken a vote to repeal the ban on openly lesbian and gay service members in its nearly 17 year history. Said HRC President Joe Solmonese: “The importance of this vote cannot be overstated – this is the beginning of the end of a shameful ban on open service by lesbian and gay troops that has weakened our national security."

In 1989, I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey Army National Guard. At the same I was proudly serving my country, I figured out that I am gay. Shortly thereafter, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was passed by Congress. During the last seventeen years over 14,000 gay and lesbian servicemembers have been discharged from military service. Thousands more, including me, chose not to re-enlist, because we could not continue to serve while in constant fear of being found out and kicked out. Countless others chose to never enlist.

Votes to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law in the Senate Armed Services Committee and House floor could happen as soon as this afternoon. Have you called your Representative and Senators yet?