Gaywired.com news published a great report that explains exactly what is going on with the battle to end the Pentagon's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy that effectively discriminates against gay and lesbian Americans. The story came to me by way of IAVA - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association (I'm a vet, but pre-date the IAVA period) through the IAVA Daily Brief 04.02.09.
Take action now to repeal this terrible and discriminatory policy of the 20th century American military. At the end of this post you will find links to contact your congressperson, your senator and President Obama. Ask them to stand beside us: Americans who demand an end to DADT.
Here's what Gaywired.com news had to say:
This week, advocates for repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy suffered a series of setbacks as the Obama Administration hinted it may be delaying action on ending a practice that has provoked widespread criticism from gay rights groups.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that both he and President Obama had, "a lot on our plates right now. ... Let's push that one down the road a little bit." The next day, in a letter addressed to the President, more than 1,000 former military officers representing all branches of service expressed their "strong support" for the law the officers claim, "affirms the principle that homosexuality is incompatible with military service."
"It's very disheartening and disappointing," Aubrey Sarvis, Executive Director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), said in a recent phone interview. "They are on the wrong side of the issue- time will prove that out." SLDN is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to ending discrimination and harassment of military personnel affected by DADT. The group also provides free legal services to all those impacted by the law.
Although the Secretary's comments have received widespread media attention, Sarvis does not see it as a setback. "I'm hoping he doesn't speak for the President on this issue," he told me. Originally appointed by President Bush in 2006, Obama asked Gates to remain as Pentagon chief.
Nevertheless, this latest shift could pose greater problems for the Administration's standing in the GLBT community. Last month, GayWired reported that many gay rights advocates were furious at Obama for not spelling out increased funding for HIV/AIDS research in his budget proposal. But with so many other issues dogging the new President, some ask why would anyone expect him to expend political capital on an issue as controversial as gays in the military?
"Because it's not controversial," says Sarvis. "Three national polls including CNN and Washington Post/ABC polls all show over 75% of American's favor repeal. Some in White House and Congress just haven't caught up with the American people yet."
The true test of Obama's commitment to repealing DADT will come next month when he submits his defense department budget to Congress. SLDN is hoping the President includes specific language in the budget urging repeal of the Clinton-era policy. Funding to maintain it will signal the Administration's continued support for the ban.
Despite the recent backlash, Sarvis told me he remains encouraged about his organization's chances of repealing DADT in this Congress. SLDN has helped introduce legislation sponsored by Democratic California Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher to do just that. So far, the bill has 138 co-sponsors but that's not enough, says Sarvis. The group will be launching a barrage of legislative activity over the next 30 days with the objective of maintaining pressure on the White House.
This Friday, Congress will enter a two week recess for the Easter Holiday and Sarvis says it's the perfect time to mobilize supporters around the country. "Email or call your congressman, ask for an appointment to come into their district office and talk to them about co-sponsoring our bill in the House to repeal DADT."
Despite his optimism, Sarvis acknowledges that much depends on the President's support. "It can be done, but we need Presidential leadership. Obama must lead to get rid of this miserable federal law."
Resources:
SLDN
Contract your Congressperson
Contact your Senator
Contact the President
Contact Speaker Pelosi
Contact Senator Feinstein
Contact Senator Boxer
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