Washington, DC – More than 30,000 LGBT veterans of the U.S. military who were discharged under the old “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy won an incredible victory Wednesday afternoon after a federal judge signed off on a historic settlement with the Department of Defense that restores their status and properly honors their service to our country.
For years, many LGBT veterans discharged with the stigma of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” have been unable to access military benefits they rightfully earned and faced discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas of civilian life.
Log Cabin Republicans has fought against the ramifications of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and for justice for LGBT veterans both in court and in Congress, most recently by building support for the Recover Pride in Service Act.
Under the settlement agreement, veterans can now file to change the section of their discharge papers that list their sexual orientation as the reason for their dismissal. Those who received an other-than-honorable or dishonorable discharge solely based on sexual orientation will now have access to a discharge upgrade review process.
“The impact of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was not only felt by those who were given dishonorable discharges,” U.S. Air Force veteran Paul Rummell said. “During my time in service under this policy there was an increase in fear of recrimination. Those who served in top secret fields were subject to enhanced levels of scrutiny. That is why I did not re-enlist in the U.S. Air Force. I am happy that the dignity of those who were given dishonorable discharges is being considered. However, the injustice they suffered led many to suicide and rejection by their peers and families. I hope that this reversal helps to restore some of the dignity that they lost. I was lucky but many were not.”
“In 2004, we filed Log Cabin Republicans v. United States of America to repeal President Clinton’s unconstitutional ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy,” Log Cabin Republicans interim Executive Director Ed Williams said. “It took seven years in court and an act of Congress to stop that injustice. We are thrilled that this settlement finally provides a process to properly honor their service and restore the post-service military benefits they rightfully earned.”