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Log Cabin Praises Pentagon "Stop-Loss" Order – Pledges Support for National Defense

Suspension of Separations Allows Commanders to Retain Gay Soldiers, Gay Reservists and Discharged Soldiers Can Be Called Back

September 20, 2001

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans praised the decision of the Pentagon to issue a "stop-loss" order for the U.S. military in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

"It is important at this time for the military leadership to do all it can to ensure our national defense, and we want to show our strong support for them at this critical moment," said Richard Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans. "At a time like this, with our country under attack, all other issues pale in comparison."

A "stop-loss" order directs the military to suspend all separations from service during a conflict, and could also direct the calling back of discharged personnel into active service as part of activating reservists, should they be needed. This could include those discharged under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in previous years, or those who are today living openly gay lives after leaving the military.

"This is certain to be a long, protracted struggle with terrorism, and any divisions from our past should be set aside," Tafel said. "It is vital that we do all we can to strengthen our military in response, and only a unified nation can defeat our enemy."