America ends discrimination of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell'

By U.S. Representative Gary Peters
Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Today President Obama signs legislation into law that repeals Don't Ask Don't Tell, a shameful policy that harmed our military readiness by discriminating against patriotic Americans who sought to serve our country simply on the grounds of their sexual orientation.

This backwards policy has cost us dearly in military readiness by turning away fighter pilots, mechanics, medics and even Arabic translators at time this country is fighting two wars. But more than that, it has forced many of our servicemen and women to lie about who they are and that is simply unacceptable.

During my service in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I served with many brave, patriotic, and dedicated men and women who were always ready to serve their country, anytime, anywhere. I was never concerned about their sexual orientation, just their ability to serve the United States honorably.

I am proud that we are ending this discriminatory policy and will now let our military recruit and retain any qualified, patriotic, and courageous American who wants to serve our country.

I applaud all of those who fought long and hard to overturn this discriminatory policy so that we are no longer violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform are putting their lives on the line to defend.

Gary Peters