Reyes Statement on Effective Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Statement

Today, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) released the following statement regarding the Department of Defense's (DOD) effective repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell:

"As a combat veteran, I strongly believe that soldiers fighting for the freedoms of all Americans are entitled to the same freedoms that all Americans enjoy in the workplace.

"The Department of Defense's year-long study confirmed what many of our troops have told me over the past years regarding "Don't Ask, Don't Tell'--which is that repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will not disrupt our military's readiness, effectiveness, cohesion, recruiting efforts, and retention of personnel.

"As the report stated, in civilian society, there is no law that requires individuals to conceal their sexual orientation to keep their job. Continuing such a policy in America's military is simply inconsistent with our nation's ideals of fairness, equality, and justice.

"Starting today, service members impacted by the law, along with those who have been blocked from joining the military, may serve in the armed forces with their dignity and integrity intact."

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