(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Today, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) released the following statement in response to a letter issued by House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) asking for a delay of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) repeal, set for September 20, 2011:
“This is another example of the hardcore opposition attempting to delay or undo ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal. I expect they will continue to look for openings to deny gay and lesbian service members the same rights and dignity as their straight counterparts,” said Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis. “On the substance, Mr. McKeon and Mr. Wilson are simply wrong. The statute only requires that the new regulations be prepared — not issued — before certification.”
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SLDN FREE HOTLINE: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: 202-328-3244 x100.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) was established in 1993 when “Don’t Ask” originally passed. In addition to working on repeal, SLDN offers free, confidential legal services to those impacted by the discriminatory law. We have received more than 11,000 calls for assistance to our legal hotline.