News

GOP Congressman Signs On to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

March 17, 2010

(Washington, DC) - Freshman Republican Congressman Joe Cao (LA-02) has signed on as a co-sponsor to the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1283) - the legislative repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

"I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in support of a repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Our military commanders at the Pentagon believe it is time to proceed with dismantling this flawed policy, and I am happy put my name on this legislation, as well as to continue to work alongside Log Cabin Republicans as we speak to our Republican colleagues about the merits of repealing the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in our armed forces," concluded Cao.

Log Cabin Republicans National Board Chairman Terry W. Hamilton commended Congressman Cao, stating that "Congressman Cao's commitment to the health and strength of our national defense and speaking out against one of the last forms of state-sanctioned discrimination shows his strong character, something that is missing in too many debates in Washington. We look forward to working with Congressman Cao and his staff as we continue our efforts to increase Republican support for this important legislation."

"Discrimination that puts our national security in jeopardy is a double-threat," stated Congressman Cao, the Deputy Ranking Member on the House Committee on Homeland Security. "America is a land where we embrace our diversity as a sign of strength, and where anybody can work hard and be judged solely on the basis of their ability to do the job. Nothing about one's sexual orientation impact the ability to perform to the highest expectations that we hold for our men and women in the armed forces."

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act would repeal the federal law banning military service by openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans. H.R. 1283 is the companion legislation to S. 3065, introduced in the Senate on March 3rd by Senator Joe Lieberman. The bill would replace the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ban with new provisions prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the armed forces.