WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, was troubled by Senator John McCain's (R-AZ) remarks supporting the misguided Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) military policy. During Dr. Clifford Stanley's confirmation hearing today for Undersecretary of Personnel and Readiness at the Department of Defense, Senator McCain expressed his opposition to the repeal of DADT and believes that this policy is currently working despite evidence proving otherwise, including studies from military think tanks and official pentagon publications.

"While Senator McCain erroneously believes that the DADT policy works well, I think the 13,000 American troops that have been discharged from the military under DADT, including more than 800 specialists with skills deemed mission critical by the U.S. military would disagree" said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Additionally, there are approximately 65,000 gay and lesbian Americans in uniform, including 36,000 gay and lesbian service members serving in active duty, and there are approximately one million gay and lesbian veterans. It is time for Congress to repeal this harmful and discriminatory law. It is disappointing that Senator McCain has decided to stand in the way."