Nadler Cheers House Vote to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, DC, May 28, 2010 Tonight, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, hailed the House’s historic vote to repeal the discriminatory policy of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in the United States Armed Forces. The repeal amendment was offered by Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and included in the National Defense Authorization Act. “The absurd and overtly discriminatory policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell remains a stain on our national conscience and tarnishes the march toward equality for all Americans,” said Nadler. “I entirely reject the argument that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would undermine troop morale. We don’t need a study to know that this canard is simple prejudice. Let us move promptly to end this discriminatory policy and ensure that all service members, regardless of sexual orientation, can enjoy the freedoms for which they so selflessly fight.” Nadler, a longtime opponent of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, issued the following statement: “Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that today we are finally faced with an amendment on the floor to end the policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Seventeen years ago, I introduced a bill to ban discrimination in the Armed Forces on the basis of sexual orientation. I commend Congressman Pat Murphy for his great efforts that have resulted in finally getting this amendment on the floor today. “Now it is up to us to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell once and for all. I opposed this policy and voted against it at its inception, I have introduced legislation over the years to repeal it, and I am a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 1246, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which would end this policy. And I stand before you today to support its inclusion in the Defense Authorization bill. Let us move promptly to end this discriminatory policy and ensure that all service members, regardless of sexual orientation, can enjoy the freedoms for which they so selflessly fight. “This absurd and overtly discriminatory policy remains a stain on our national conscience and tarnishes the march toward equality for all Americans. And, in this time of incredible strain on our military, our nation’s security depends upon the recruitment – and retention – of every person willing and able to serve. I entirely reject the argument that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would undermine troop morale. We don’t need a study to know that this canard is simple prejudice. We should act as President Truman did in 1948. No study – no delay. Just repudiate the prejudice and end the discrimination. “To his great credit, President Obama has repeatedly declared his commitment to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and he supports our efforts today to do so. “I appreciate the fact that the Department of Defense has also implemented regulatory changes concerning current enforcement of the policy, which should lead to fewer unwarranted discharges. But in order to repeal the policy we, Congress, must act, and that is exactly what we are doing here today. We owe it both to our service members and to LGBT Americans to move forward now without further delay. “Thank you.”