WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps praised a new study released today by a group of retired senior military officers that concluded the ban on openly gay service members is counterproductive and should to be overturned.  The study’s report included ten findings and four recommendations.  Among the report’s key findings: the so-called ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy prevents some gay troops from performing their duties; gays already serve openly; tolerance of homosexuality in the military has grown dramatically; and lifting the ban is “unlikely to pose any significant risk to morale, good order, discipline, or cohesion.” 

“This report represents important voices in the chorus of Americans calling for a repeal of this outdated and unsuccessful policy,” said Capps, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equality Caucus.  “Our military is stronger and our country safer when all of our soldiers serve without fear of discharge simply for being who they are.”

In June, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for bringing together “a cross section of people who understand the military and are committed to nondiscrimination in our country” to review “don't ask, don't tell.”  Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) has said she will hold hearings on the issue before the end of year.

The nonpartisan study was commissioned by the Palm Center, a research institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.