Take action: Tell the Senate to repeal ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ now

Time is running out for the Senate to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) this year. When the Senate’s lame-duck session begins next week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has promised to bring the defense bill — with language to repeal DADT — back to the Senate for a vote. In order to win — to repeal DADT and allow lesbians, gays and bisexuals to serve openly in the military — we must have a filibuster-proof majority of 60 votes.

Opponents want to strip the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” from the bill, but we can’t let that happen. Here’s what you can do:

Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard today. Ask to be patched through to your senators’ offices. If you don’t know who your senators are, click here. When you get through to their offices, urge them to pass the defense bill — with language repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Call the switchboard today: 202.224.3121.

Tell your two senators:

1. That discharging patriotic lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers is simply unjust.

2. That we must repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” once and for all.

3. And finally, say: “Senator, I want you to stand up for all of our troops by voting for a defense authorization bill that includes DADT repeal during the Senate’s lame-duck session.”

Two phone calls — that’s all. And it could make a world of difference to so many people. Timing is critical, and as we remember the veterans who have served our country on Veterans Day tomorrow, Nov. 11, let us also work to ensure that this will be the last Veterans Day where “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is in effect.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey says:

Veterans Day is a time to remember and honor veterans who have served our country, including thousands of qualified and patriotic lesbian, gay and bisexual service members who have been drummed out of the military under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. These courageous men and women were forced to become veterans before their time. Let this be the last Veterans Day where this irrational and costly policy is in effect. We urge the Senate to move swiftly to pass a defense authorization bill and repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” during the lame duck session. It’s long past time to end 17 years of witch hunts that have led to the discharge of thousands of skilled, competent service members and failed to make America stronger. Three-quarters of Americans think ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ should end, as do top military leaders and others. It’s now time for the Senate to step up and do its part to end this unjust policy.

Please call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard 202.224.3121 today to urge the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” once and for all.