Category: Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Lt. Dan Choi, an Iraq war veteran who has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the military ban on openly gay service members, has been discharged from the Army National Guard.
In a telephone call from his battalion commander on Thursday morning, Choi was notified of his honorable discharge, coming almost a year and a half after he came out on national television.
Choi
Choi issued this statement:
“This morning I received notification of my honorable discharge from the army under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” After 11 years since beginning my journey at West Point and after 17 months of serving openly as an infantry officer this is both an infuriating and painful announcement.
“But my service continues. To all those veterans who have endured similar trials and injustices or prematurely ended their military service because of the unjust policy: our fight has only begun.
“The true honor and dignity of service does not come from a piece of paper, a pension or paycheck, a rank or status; only an unflinching commitment to improve the lives of others can determine the nature of one’s service. From the first moment we put on our nation’s uniform and swore our solemn oath, we committed ourselves to fight for freedom and justice; to defend our constitution and put the needs of others before our own. This is not an oath that I intend to abandon. Doing so at such a time, or remaining silent when our family and community members are fired or punished for who they truly are would be an unequivocal moral dereliction that tarnishes the honor of the uniform and insults the meaning of America.”
Choi’s discharge order here (PDF).
Since outing himself, Choi has become a vocal opponent of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In March, he criticized Defense Secretary Robert Gates for only relaxing enforcement of the policy rather than unilaterally ceasing enforcement.
On two occasions earlier this year, Choi was arrested for handcuffing himself to the White House fence in “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” protests. He was charged with two counts of failure to obey a lawful order, but last week prosecutors dropped all charges.
Earlier this week, Choi was arrested in Las Vegas during a demonstration calling on Nevada Sen. Harry Reid, the Democratic senate majority leader, to do more to pass the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
Meanwhile, efforts to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” continue to move through Congress and the military. The Pentagon is currently conducting a study into a possible repeal’s effects. A report on that study is expected to be presented to President Obama and military officials by December 1.
Since 1993, when “don’t ask, don’t tell” was introduced, more than 14,000 servicemen and women have been discharged because of their sexual orientation, and tens of thousands of others have voluntarily ended their military careers.
Choi announced he is gay on The Rachel Maddow Show on March 19, 2009, prompting the U.S. Army to initiate discharge proceedings. His discharge became effective on June 29, 2010.
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Former RNC chair, GW Bush campaign manager: 'I'm gay'
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Remembering Ted Olson's Newsweek op-ed about gay marriage
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Pentagon surveying service members on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Lt. Dan Choi is a controversial crusader for DADT repeal
A study released by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law estimates that there are currently several thousand lesbian, gay, and bisexual soldiers serving in the military, and enforcing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has cost U.S. taxpayers up to more than a half a billion dollars since its inception in 1994.
Study author Dr. Gary J. Gates (presumably no relation to Defense Secretary Robert Gates) stated that, “Despite official policy requiring that lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals remain silent about their sexual orientation, data from the US Census Bureau suggest that an estimated 66,000 gay, lesbian, and bisexual men and women are serving in the US military.” Continue reading…
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
LGBT groups turn up heat on Target; but is Best Buy getting off too easy?
Senate hopeful Sharron Angle: no gay rights, no gay adoptions
Prop 8 supporters: 'We are the victims'
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
Choi and Pietrangelo
Prosecutors have dropped all charges against two openly gay service members who twice chained themselves to a White House fence to protest the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
Lt. Dan Choi and Cpt. James Pietrangelo II had been charged with two counts of failure to obey a lawful order after they were arrested on two separate occasions back on March 18 and April 20 while protesting the military ban on openly gay service members.
Choi and Pietrangelo appeared in D.C. Superior Court on Wednesday with the intent to plead not guilty and face trial when word came that the government had decided against prosecution.
Choi had subpoenaed President Obama to appear, but an attorney for the prosecution told the Associated Press that the subpoena was never served.
Prosecutor Christine Chang wasn’t able to explain the last-minute decision to drop the charges, but Choi said he believes Obama administration officials didn’t want to draw attention to the policy.
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Pentagon surveying service members on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Gay service members subpoena Obama in defense of DADT protest
Pelosi: no vote on ENDA this year until Congress repeals 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national, legal services and policy organization dedicated to ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” is advising gay and lesbian service members not to participate in a Pentagon survey released this week that focuses on the impact to the military if the policy is repealed.
Sarvis (Photo: SLDN)
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN and an Army veteran, issued this statement:
A number of service members have contacted SLDN to seek guidance on surveys concerning the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — the discriminatory law barring gay and lesbian service members from serving with integrity.
At this time SLDN cannot recommend that lesbian, gay, or bisexual service members participate in any survey being administered by the Department of Defense, the Pentagon Working Group, or any third-party contractors.
While the surveys are apparently designed to protect the individual’s privacy, there is no guarantee of privacy and DOD has not agreed to provide immunity to service members whose privacy may be inadvertently violated or who inadvertently outs himself or herself. If a service member still wishes to participate, he or she should only do so in a manner that does not reveal sexual orientation.
The Pentagon on Wednesday began sending 400,000 surveys to U.S. service members asking their opinion about what impact the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” might have on morale and readiness, and their willingness to share quarters with gay or lesbian service members.
The survey contains a link specifically for gay or lesbian service members who wish to provide additional comment.
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
Pentagon surveying service members on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Gay service members subpoena Obama in defense of DADT protest
Pelosi: no vote on ENDA this year until Congress repeals 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Pentagon surveying service members on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
The Pentagon on Wednesday began sending 400,000 surveys to U.S. service members asking their opinion about what impact the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” might have on morale and readiness, and their willingness to share quarters with gay or lesbian service members.
The survey of more than 100 questions is being sent to 200,000 active duty troops and 200,000 reserve troops, all selected at random.
According to CNN:
The survey, which service members can expect to receive via e-mail, asks about such issues as how unit morale or readiness might be affected if a commander is believed to be gay or lesbian; the need to maintain personal standards of conduct; and how repeal might affect willingness to serve in the military.
The survey also asks a number of questions aimed at identifying problems that could occur when troops live and work in close quarters in overseas war zones. For example, the questionnaire asks military members how they would react if they had to share a room, bathrooms, and open-bay showers in a war zone with other service members believed to be gay or lesbian.
The survey also seeks opinions on whether or not “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the military ban on openly gay service members, should be repealed.
Although the identity of all those who respond is expected to remain confidential, there is a link within the survey specifically for gay or lesbian service members who wish to provide additional comment without fear of being singled out and separated from the service as required by the existing law.
A similar survey will be sent to the family members of service members around the first week in August.
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Gay service members subpoena Obama in defense of DADT protest
Pelosi: no vote on ENDA this year until Congress repeals 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Gay service members subpoena Obama in defense of DADT protest
Two openly gay U.S. Army National Guard soldiers who were arrested for handcuffing themselves to a White House fence have subpoenaed President Obama to defend them in court, citing they were following orders of their Commander-in-Chief’s to lobby him for gay rights.
Choi and Pietrangelo at a March 18 White House protest.
Photo credit: John Aravosis of AmericaBlog.com
Lt. Dan Choi and Cpt. James Pietrangelo II have been charged with two counts of failure to obey a lawful order after they were arrested on two separate occasions back on March 18 and April 20, 2010.
According to their attorneys:
The Defendants seek to use their trials to highlight the ongoing effects of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law and policy of the U.S. Armed Forces toward gay and lesbian service members.
They seek to compel the testimony of President Barack Obama who has, on several occasions as President and Commander in Chief (and previously as a Senator and Presidential Candidate) called on the LGBT community to “pressure” him to change the DADT law and policy, thus allowing gay service members to serve their country openly and honorably.
The defendants claim they were following the President’s orders regarding his support for public pressure to abolish the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the military ban on openly gay service members.
In an October 2009 speech at a Human Rights Campaign event, Obama called upon gay rights to put pressure on him for the advancement of LGBT rights, including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
From the President’s speech:
If we are honest with ourselves we’ll admit that there are too many who do not yet know in their lives or feel in their hearts the urgency of this struggle….
And that’s why it’s so important that you continue to speak out, that you continue to set an example, that you continue to pressure leaders — including me — and to make the case all across America.
The two servicemen are expected to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 14 to face charges in the non-jury trial.
While it is unlikely the President will testify at the trial, attorney Ann Wilcox plans to use the President’s remarks as part of the defense.
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Former RNC chair, GW Bush campaign manager: 'I'm gay'
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Remembering Ted Olson's Newsweek op-ed about gay marriage
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Pelosi: no vote on ENDA this year until Congress repeals ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
There will be no vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) until Congress completes legislative action on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” according to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
Pelosi
During her weekly press conference on Friday, Pelosi told the Washington Blade that lawmakers “still have to finish ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’” before moving on to ENDA.
Pelosi called ENDA a “personal priority,” but said the House took up “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” because bringing the fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill to the floor presented an opportunity for repeal.
“But because the defense bill came up now, we did ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ first,” she said. “But we want to finish that.”
While it could take several months for Congress to finish legislative action on repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” supporters of ENDA have been pushing Pelosi to move forward with the legislation.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is a proposed bill in the U.S. Congress that would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity for civilian nonreligious employers with over 15 employees.
Full story at the Washington Blade.
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
LGBT groups turn up heat on Target; but is Best Buy getting off too easy?
Senate hopeful Sharron Angle: no gay rights, no gay adoptions
Prop 8 supporters: 'We are the victims'
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
Powell: ‘the law will change and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will go away’
Powell
Appearing on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, former Secretary of State Colin Powell said “the country has changed” in the 17 years since “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” became law and now believes, “it is perfectly acceptable to get rid of the law and the policy.”
The retired general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said, “at the end of the day, the law will change and ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ will go away.”
Originally, Powell was opposed to President Clinton’s 1993 effort to end the military’s ban on gay men and lesbians serving openly in the military, testifying before Congress that it would negatively affect the “cohesion and well-being” of the force.
In February, Powell issued a statement announcing his support for repealing the law in February, following the testimony of the current Joint Chiefs Chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen, to the Senate Armed Services Committee that repealing the law would be the “right thing to do.” Continue reading…
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Pentagon surveying service members on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Gay service members subpoena Obama in defense of DADT protest
U.S. House vote on Pentagon policy advances effort to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
The U.S. House approved a measure Friday that includes a provision to allow the Defense Department to repeal the 17-year-old Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on gays serving openly in the military.
By a vote of 229-186 that split largely down party lines, the House approved a larger Pentagon policy bill that contains the repeal, with 26 Democrats voting against it and nine Republicans in favor.
The formal vote echoes Thursday night’s action, when the House approved adding the amendment to the Pentagon bill by 234-191.
Friday’s vote came hours after U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told military members the repeal measure would allow a policy change only after thorough review by the Obama administration. Continue reading…
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Pentagon surveying service members on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Gay service members subpoena Obama in defense of DADT protest
House passes amendment to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ — Obama hails Congress’ efforts
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday night to authorize the Defense Department to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the military, clearing another hurdle toward dismantling the 1993 law widely known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
The provision to allow military commanders to repeal the ban was adopted as an amendment to the annual Pentagon policy bill, which the House is expected to vote on Friday.
The measure passed 234 to 194, delivering a major victory to gay rights activists who have opposed the military policy since it was enacted in 1993.
It also marks the most aggressive step by Democrats in implementing President Obama’s campaign pledge to end the policy. Continue reading…
Previously from LGBTQ Nation:
Choi discharged from National Guard under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Study: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' costs U.S. taxpayers half a billion dollars
Charges dropped against gay service members over DADT protests
SLDN warns gay service members from participating in DADT survey
Pentagon surveying service members on repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Gay service members subpoena Obama in defense of DADT protest
