Dear Supporter,

As promised, it’s Wednesday and time for our first class!  This week we’re covering “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”  Kentucky Fairness Alliance supports the work of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and their top reasons for lifting the ban on gay service members.

 

  1. End discrimination (No other law mandates firing someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual.);
  2. Strengthen Military Readiness;
  3. Save Tax Payer Money (“Don’t ask, don’t tell” cost more than $360 million in taxpayer funds between 1994 and 2003.);
  4. Honor Our Troops; and
  5. Stop the Double-Standard.

79% of Americans are in support of lifting the ban on openly gay service members! 62% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats are in support of lifting the ban.

  

High-ranking military officials are also speaking! General John Shalikashvili, retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, “I now believe that if gay men and lesbians served openly in the U.S. military, they would not undermine the efficacy of the armed forces.”

 

The Military Readiness Act (HR1246) was introduced in the U.S. House in 2006 by Rep. Meehan (D-MA).  This piece of legislation would establish a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for the members of the armed services. 

 

Both major presumptive presidential nominees have taken positions on “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”  Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) supports lifting the ban, while Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) does not.

 

In 2008, Rep. Davis (D-California) held the first congressional hearing on “Don’t ask, don’t tell” since its inception 15 years ago.  Check out Rep. Davis’ opening remarks on YouTube.

 

HOMEWORK: Do you know someone that has been dismissed from the military because of being who they are?  Do you think DADT will be repealed during the next presidency?  Post your assignment here.

 

That’s it for this week.  Next week, we’ll be discussing employment discrimination.  See you then.

 

In fairness,

Your KFA Team

 

Sources: www.cnn.com, www.pewforum.org, www.sldn.org, www.nationaljournal.com, www.wikipedia.org, and www.house.gov.

 

Ampersand. The Ampersand symbolizes the solidarity we are building through Friends & Family, and suggests the inclusiveness we are working toward. It reflects the idea that no one individual, legislator, organization, or city can carry all the water for equality. Our success lies in our solidarity.