AMA Joins Efforts to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

by HRC Staff •

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, issued the following statement today on the American Medical Association's (AMA) announcements regarding LGBT rights. AMA members voted to join the effort to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and declared that bans on same-sex marriage result in health disparities for LGBT couples and families.

"We applaud today's announcement by the American Medical Association and could not agree more. They made clear that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" should be repealed because of the ethical dilemma between doctors and LGBT service members who are unable to share all of the information that may be necessary in giving medical guidance and treatment," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.

"The AMA also said that bans on marriage equality for same-sex couples often prevent those couples from obtaining health care benefits, such as insurance and medical leave. Such exclusions result in health disparities. HRC shares the AMA's belief that barriers to marriage equality have an array of negative implications for same-sex couples and their families, including substantial health disparities. HRC welcomes the AMA's concerns over health care disparities and encourages it to support laws that would fully and fairly recognize LGBT people and their families," said Solmonese.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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