Task Force responds to certification of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responds to the certification of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal by President Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Adm. Mike Mullen, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Repeal takes effect in 60 days.

Statement by National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey:

Today marks the final critical strike against ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ a policy whose demise can’t come fast enough. Eighteen years of witch hunts under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ have cost thousands of exemplary service members their careers, once again proving there are very personal and costly consequences of discrimination. People from every background, every faith, every community across the country know that qualified, patriotic Americans willing to risk their lives by serving in the military should be able to do so free from discrimination. They know our entire country benefits when fairness prevails, when service members no longer have to fear being targeted by their own government, when courageous men and women are able to serve openly and honestly. We again thank all those who fought for and supported an end to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ — they truly are on the right side of history.