Lambda Legal Says the End of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Is at Last in Sight

(New York, July 22, 2011) —In response to the news that the President has transmitted to Congress certification from the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and himself that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" may be repealed without adverse consequences to the military, Lambda Legal issued the following statement from Jon Davidson Legal Director for Lambda Legal:

"After 17 years and more than 13,000 casualties, the end of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law is at last in sight. Congress has provided that that antigay law will automatically be repealed 60 days after the President's transmission of the certification to Congress. It is not long now until lesbian, bisexual and gay service members will finally be able to serve their country openly. The brave sacrifice made by these service members for our country deserves nothing less.

"Given that the military is the country's largest employer, the impending demise of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a critically important step toward ending sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace. Lambda Legal's first lawsuit against discrimination in the military was brought in 1975 and we have represented many service members since then. We're proud to have battled antigay discrimination in the military and we congratulate our colleagues at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Log Cabin Republicans and everyone who has helped bring the freedom to be out to those who valiantly fight for freedom for all."

###