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Efforts to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, the law that mandates the discharge of openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) service members, has gained serious traction over the past year, and as we celebrate Veteran’s Day tomorrow, you can help bring an end to the discriminatory policy. The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network’s Honor Every Veteran campaign is a great place to start.

We must honor the service and dedication of everyone who has served in the armed forces, regardless of their sexual orientation.  And while an estimated one million LGBT Americans have served in every conflict since the American Revolution, and at least 65,000 currently serve, the government continues to call for the discharge of brave individuals, treating them as second-class citizens.  The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1283) would  repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in the armed services. 

Discriminating against service members based on sexual orientation is not only a violation of human rights and the respect owed to those who have served and currently serve, but studies have shown that the ban also hurts military recruitment, retention, and readiness and poses a threat to national security.  The time has come to put an end to this discriminatory policy and offer due respect and rights to all those who serve in the armed forces.