Congressman Ellison Votes to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy

Statement

Congressman Keith Ellison (Minneapolis) today released the following statement following House passage of H.R. 2965, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, which would end the policy barring openly gay men and women from serving in the U.S. armed forces:

I am proud to cast an historic vote today to end the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This failed policy is responsible for the discharge of over 13,000 highly qualified Americans from our military and is forcing an estimated 65,000 more service members to lie about who they are.

At a time when we're asking America's finest men and women to fight two wars, often over multiple tours, we cannot afford to exclude competent soldiers because they refuse to lie about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Today, I joined the overwhelming majority of Americans, Minnesotans and military leaders -- including President Obama, our Commander-in-Chief, and Defense Secretary Gates -- in supporting an end to this detrimental policy.

Senate Republicans have disgracefully blocked this repeal, opting instead to comfort millionaires and billionaires with tax breaks. The brave men and women -- both gay and straight -- who sacrifice in service to our country deserve better from their elected leaders.

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