Following today's historic, bipartisan 65-31 vote in the United States Senate to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that prevents gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces, Rep. Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:
“Today my heart rejoices not only for the gays and lesbians already serving in our armed forces, but also for every young man and woman who dreams about becoming a service member dedicated to keeping America safe from harm,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "No longer must they choose between serving their country and living an authentic life. With the repeal of this dishonorable policy, they can have both."
Since the controversial ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy was created in 1993, more than 13,500 able-bodied, patriotic Americans have been jettisoned from the military simply because they are gay or lesbian. Many were mission-critical Arabic and Farsi linguists in vital intelligence roles that kept our nation safe from international terror networks. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is the only law in the federal workplace that actually forces gays and lesbians to lie about their sexual orientation in order to keep their jobs. Rep. Wasserman Schultz, a Member of the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, has been a vocal co-sponsor of legislation to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell since she was first elected to Congress.
"Today, we are a more perfect union. We not only make America safer, but we do so in a way that fulfills our Constitution's sacred promise that all men and women are created equal," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "I commend President Obama, House and Senate leaders, and my colleague Rep. Patrick Murphy for their determination, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who voted to remedy this historic injustice."
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