Congressman Garamendi Applauds End to Discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement commemorating the formal repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell:

"Embedded in American patriotism is the hope and expectation that our country's best days are still to come. Today, as we celebrate the end of the discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, I'm proud to say that America the country is one step closer to living up to America the idea.

"Since the founding of our great Republic, LGBT service members have selflessly fought and died in defense of our country. For too long, our country in return forced these brave heroes to live a lie in order to serve. This has led to thousands of dismissals and jeopardized national security by denying skilled Americans the opportunity to serve. As of today, this injustice is relegated to the dustbin of history – where it belongs.

"This is a day of celebration for gay and lesbian troops who can now serve openly, and for their families, who can now comfort their loved ones without fear. This is also a day of celebration for every American who believes that we must live up to our ideals. The leaders of the free world, the great defenders of democracy, should not promote policies that are discriminatory, harmful, and against the principles of a free and just society.

"Because of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, somewhere a young LGBT American is coming to the realization that the discrimination and barriers to equality they've grown up with are eroding. For people who have been marginalized all their lives, to know that someday soon they will no longer be excluded from their American dream can make all the difference in the world."