American Veterans for Equal Rights is saddened that the Senate failed today to proceed on the National Defense Authorization Act, with the inclusion of an amendment that would allow the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, to repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law.  For the sake of bigotry the oppositional right can now block funding our military and supporting all of our patriotic service members.

American Veterans For Equal Rights remains hopeful that our elected leaders will soon resolve to do the right thing and end the disgraceful policy banning patriotic Americans from serving proudly and openly in our armed forces because of whom they love.

AVER now demands that the Administration not appeal the court decision determining that the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law is unconstitutional. Allowing the judge’s decision to stand would end the DADT policy. Ultimately, our US Congress should agree and legislate the repeal of DADT. But, by not appealing, and thereby allowing the policy to be voided, the administration would not simply keep its promise, but would bring America forward, rather than backward, in its highest value of equality.

AVER is the national veterans service organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender veterans and service members, supporting the rights of all patriotic Americans who have served or are serving our nation.

Contact:
AVER Public Affairs:
718 849-5665
publicaffairs@aver.us

AVER President:
Danny Ingram
678 596 1311
president@aver.us