ADMIRAL MULLEN: “I would not recommend repeal of this law if I did not believe in my soul that it was the right thing to do for our military, for our nation and for our collective honor.”

Today the United States Senate Armed Services Committee is receiving testimony on the report of the Department of Defense Working Group that conducted a comprehensive review of the issues associated with a repeal of section 654 of title 10, United States Code, “Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces”, commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. The Comprehensive Review Working Group (CRWG) has released its long awaited report which shows conclusively that the repeal of DADT will not harm the military. 

“John McCain’s demeanor throughout the testimony of Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, General Ham and Mr. Johnson, was entirely dismissive bordering on disrespect. In the testimony, no one made a more powerful argument for repeal today than Admiral Mullen. In a measured, methodical fashion, Admiral Mullen addressed and destroyed each one of McCain’s irrational fears about open service. McCain continues to ignore the findings of the report that showed 92% of troops are fine working with gay service members,” said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran, AVER member, and executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

Testifying today will be:

• Robert Gates – Secretary of Defense
• Jeh Johnson – General Counsel, Department of Defense
• Co-Chair, Comprehensive Review Working Group
• Admiral Michael Mullen, USN – Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
• General Carter Ham, USA – Commander, United States Army Europe
  Co-Chair, Comprehensive Review Working Group