“With this decision, the United States can finally put this intolerance behind us and work toward a more inclusive military that’s focused solely on protecting America instead of promoting prejudice.”
WASHINGTON – Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., issued the following statement today praising U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips' decision to halt all enforcement of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bars gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.
"I applaud today’s ruling barring the military from enforcing the failed 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' policy," Chu said. "We've spent the last 100 years fighting to end discrimination in the military against women, and racial and ethnic minorities. With this decision, the United States can finally put this intolerance behind us and work towards a more inclusive military that’s focused solely on protecting America instead of promoting prejudice.
"This decision is firmly grounded in the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects every American's freedom of expression. I feel confident that Judge Phillips' decision will be upheld over the course of the appeals process and applaud her for accomplishing what Senate Republicans prevented Congress from bringing about: full repeal of this discriminatory policy."
Representative Judy Chu is a longtime supporter of equal rights for every American. She was elected in July 2009 to the U.S. House of Representatives as the Representative of California’s 32nd District, which includes East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. She is a member of the House Judiciary, Government Oversight, and Education and Labor Committees.
Congresswoman Chu's career in politics spans 24 years. A lifelong educator, Congresswoman Chu taught community college classes in Los Angeles and East Los Angeles for 20 years. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology and a B.A. in mathematics.
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