Rep. Engel Applauds the End of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Statement

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) applauded the recent decision handed down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals banning the Pentagon from preventing openly gay members of the military from serving their country. President Obama signed the repeal of the practice, known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) in December 2010, but the process of implementing the repeal has not yet been finalized. The Pentagon said it would comply with the court's ruling, essentially ending DADT for good.

"Finally, the DADT policy, which has limited the rights of gay men and women service members, is no longer. A new day has dawned for America's military, gay men and women, and for everyone who cares about the fundamental American belief that all people are created equal and deserve equal rights under the law. Bravery and dedication have never been solely possessed by heterosexuals, and yet since 1993, about 13,000 service members have been discharged under DADT. Thankfully, there will be no others.

"As the 1964 Republican Presidential Candidate, Senator Barry Goldwater, said, "You can be gay and still shoot straight.' Finally, the ability to shoot straight will be the only thing that matters."

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