Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell (SM1004/HM2001)

SM1004 & HM 2001 would urge Congress and the President, on behalf of the state of Arizona, to enact the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, a federal bill that would repeal the military's ban on openly-LGBT servicemembers.

 

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

SM 1004 and HM 2001 would urge Congress and the President to adopt the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, strengthening the American armed forces' ability to carry out its missions, including the war in Iraq.

The Military Readiness Enchancement Act is federal legislation that would repeal the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. According to a February 2005 report of the Government Accountability Office, the nearly 10,000 discharges under "Don't Ask Don't Tell" have cost the taxpayers $190 million. Furthermore, nearly 800 servicemembers in "critical occupations," such as counterintelligence experts, have been discharged.

The U.S. military has been forced to retain reserve and national guard servicemembers on active duty past standard deployment lenghths in order to carry out its recent missions.

The ability of the armed forces to recruit and retain the best and brightest Americans, and to carry our its missions, is hindered by excluding a population solely because of sexual orientation.

It's time for the United States to join its allies, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel, and allow lesbian and gay servicemembers to serve openly.

Please support SM 1004 or HM 2001.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 17, 2008


Background Information

 

  • The ability of the armed forces to recruit and retain the best and the brightest Americans is hindered by excluding a section of the population baed solely on sexual orientation.  The armed forces have been forced to retain reserve and national guard members on active duty past standard deployment lengths.
  • The capacity of the U.S. military to carry out its missions is hindered when competent and qualified individuals are involuntarily discharged.
  • Lesbian and gay servicemembers have served honorably throughout U.S. history and continue to serve with distinction on active duty.
  • America's allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Israel allow lesbian and gay servicemembers to serve openly.
  • A February 2005 Government Accountability Office report shows that nearly 10,000 servicemembers have been discharged under "Don't Ask Don't Tell," including at least 757 in "critical occupations," such as counterintelligence experts, costing the taxpayers more than $190 million.