DeGette Statement on House Passage of Repeal of “Don't Ask Don't Tell”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) today offered the following statement after the House passage of a measure that would repeal the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, pending a Pentagon review:

"The passage today of the compromise allowing openly gay soldiers to serve in the military is a major step towards full equality for every man and woman defending our country. For too long, these brave soldiers have had to put their lives on the line for our nation, while the policies of that same nation forced them to hide their true selves. Our major Western allies have long realized the cruelty of denying capable men and women the right to serve their country based solely on their sexual orientation and as the leader of the free world, it is time for the U.S. to catch up. Today's pivotal step comes too late to bring justice for the more than 13,000 men and women already forced out of service, but hopefully those patriots recognize how their sacrifice paved the way for future soldiers to ultimately achieve equality. I have fervently supported an immediate repeal of ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell,' but today's vote will finally begin to strike down one of the remaining legal discriminations left scarring our national laws."

###