On this day in 2011, the United States government ended the harmful ban on open service in the military known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” allowing gay and lesbian members of the armed services to defend our nation with honesty and without fear of dismissal because of their sexual orientation. Today Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Gregory T. Angelo issued the following statement:
It’s been two years since the harmful ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy signed into law by President Bill Clinton was finally, formally repealed. Today is a day to celebrate the landmark case Log Cabin Republicans v. United States of America that precipitated Congress to take action, and the tireless lobbying by Log Cabin Republicans that led to bi-partisan repeal including the votes of 23 Republicans. But even more important than that, today is a day to honor those brave gay servicemen and women who can now serve openly and protect freedom without the fear of being discharged because of who they are. Ours is the greatest military in the world, one that has only grown stronger by allowing gay Americans to serve with honor and authenticity in defense of freedom and liberty for all.