Rep. Smith Statement on a Decade Since the End of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Press Release

Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the full implementation of the repeal of the U.S. military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

"Ten years ago, we affirmed the courage and sacrifice of tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ service members when the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' finally took effect. This milestone in the history of our country's long journey to equality for all Americans, no matter who they love, also reminds us that when we support greater diversity and inclusion in the U.S. military, we strengthen U.S. national security.

"The fight for equality in the U.S. military did not end with the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for honoring its commitment to LGBTQ+ service members and their families by appointing several members of the LGBTQ+ community to key positions of leadership across the U.S. government and for announcing in March that transgender members of the military may serve openly. Together, we must all continue our efforts to ensure that the U.S. military -- and our country as a whole -- affirms the dignity, value, and courage of LGBTQ+ Americans."

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