Quigley Attends "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Bill Signing

Press Release

Today, Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) attended President Obama's ceremonial bill signing of the repeal of "Don't, Ask, Don't Tell' policy with Navy veteran and Chicago LGBT activist Lee Reinhart.

"The President's signature signals a great victory for equality, civil rights, and our national security," said Quigley. "It was a privilege and an honor to be there with so many who championed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' including those that will now be able to serve their country openly and honestly."

Reinhart earned the Navy Marine Corp Achievement medal for his naval service during the 1990s, but soon after reenlisting in the Coast Guard following the events of September 11, 2001, he was discharged because of his sexual orientation.

Yesterday, Quigley and Reinhart visited the grave of Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, who served in the Vietnam War, and earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, but was discharged because he was gay. His tombstone at Congressional Cemetery reads, "When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men, and a discharge for loving one."

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