U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) released the following statement after Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen unveiled the results of a comprehensive, 10-month study on the potential impacts of repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Senator Cardin is a cosponsor of a Senate measure that would repeal the law and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“The report released by the Pentagon makes it clear that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ can be repealed with minimal impact on troop strength, cohesion, or readiness, despite some short-term challenges. ‘There are gay men and lesbians already serving in today’s U.S. military and most service members recognize this,’ according to the report. The Senate now must act to ensure that these brave men and women can continue to serve our nation with honesty and integrity. Sexual orientation should never be used to determine the contributions any man or woman makes to our military. We should be grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines – gay or straight – who defend our nation.”
CARDIN SIGNS ON AS ORIGINAL COSPONSOR OF BILL TO REPEAL “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) has announced his support as an original cosponsor for legislation introduced Wednesday to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, authored by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), contains three main provisions: (1) it will repeal the law that prevents gay Americans from openly serving in the military, (2) prohibit discrimination against current and prospective service members on the basis of sexual orientation, and (3) promote the ability of college students who wish to serve our country to join Reserve Officer Training Corps units at universities that currently prevent the establishment of ROTC units on campus.
“We should be grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines – gay or straight – who defend our nation. Sexual orientation, race, religion or gender, should never be used to determine the contributions any man or woman makes to our military. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in calling for the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ which runs contrary to the core American belief of equality,” said Senator Cardin.
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