Ryan: Time to move on from debate over gay troops

GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan said this weekend that while he voted against lifting the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, the issue is now settled and the ban should not be reinstated. 

"I think that would be a step in the wrong direction because people have already disclosed themselves," Ryan said, adding, "It’s done."

Top marine calls integrating gay troops a "blip"

The nation's highest-ranking Marine Corps officer now says he believes adding openly gay and lesbian troops will not seriously disrupt military operations.

We're in the Army Now: Training Under Way to Introduce Gay Troops

Pentagon Briefing Jan. 28, 2011
Photo by R. D. Ward

Whoo-hoo! The U.S. military is engaged in training to facilitate the introduction of openly gay and lesbian personnel, and expects to complete the training by the end of summer. 

The law repealing "don't ask, don't tell" requires a 60-day waiting period once the president and top Pentagon officials certify the military is ready to accept gay recruits.

Bob Witeck: How the end of DADT will change corporate America

Bob Witeck predicts the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" will produce ripple effects throughout corporate America that will make life better for LGBT workers. Military contractors, for instance, often recruit ex-military workers, meaning those companies will have to become more LGBT-friendly.

HRC: DADT Repeal Implementation Plan Must Be Executed Expeditiously

Last week the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on the Pentagon to expeditiously carry out the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal implementation plan laid out today by Under Secretary Clifford Stanley and Gen. James Cartwright.  It appears that training could begin in a matter of months, consistent with President Obama’s timeline commitment of months, not years.  HRC also noted that some issues remain unaddressed that will impact the lives of gay, lesbian and bisexual service members including benefits parity and equal opportunity protections.

“As the Working Group study clearly stated, there are few hurdles to implementation of open service and the best way to ensure a smooth transition is to move expeditiously,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  “While this implementation plan is a step in the right direction, it is critical that the Department address benefits issues and non-discrimination protections so that all service members are treated equally.”

On benefits issues, today’s memo does not go far enough in calling for parity in benefits that could be accomplished through revised regulations that add same-sex committed partners to the definitions of “dependent,” “family member,” or other similar terms.  Such a step would be consistent with President Obama’s June 2009 memorandum that all federal agencies take steps to extend benefits equally to lesbian and gay employees, where permitted by law.

The memo also states that the Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) program will not be amended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.  Including sexual orientation in MEO program would ensure that service members have an avenue to address discrimination complaints outside the chain-of-command, which has been essential in successful equal opportunity policies for other types of discrimination including race, religion, sex and national origin.

“Equalizing benefits and non-discrimination programs will ensure that gay, lesbian and bisexual service not be seen as different from their colleagues but rather on an level playing field,” added Solmonese.  “They are prepared to fight and die for their country and deserve nothing less that the benefits and protections afforded to every member of our armed forces.”

Pentagon outlines next steps in allowing openly gay troops

Pentagon officials last week described a period of training and preparation that will take place before openly gay and lesbian troops will be allowed to serve, insisting officials will work quickly to implement the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." Spousal benefits are not an issue, officials said, because the federal Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the military from recognizing the marriages of same-sex couples.

Pentagon prepares to unveil plan to allow for out troops

U.S. military officials have devised a plan to train and prepare the armed forces for the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, according to this article. 

Details are set to be released Friday, but those familiar with the plan say it calls for a three-month training period, followed by the law going into effect this summer.

The cost of Don't Ask, Don't Tell? $200 million

Discharging troops under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy cost the U.S. military almost $200 million between 2004 and 2009, according to a Government Accountability Office report.

$200 million.

To discharge gay troops. 


Unbelievable.

After DADT: Log Cabin wants appeals court to continue with military ban

A federal appeals court should continue a case reviewing a lower court finding that overturned the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, because the ban is still officially in place, according to a filing by the Log Cabin Republicans. 

The U.S. Justice Department, which is scheduled to make opening arguments by Jan. 24, has asked for a three-month stay, to give military officials sufficient time to prepare its members for the end of the policy.

Frank Kameny: Not done yet

Among the dignitaries present at the signing of the "don't ask, don't tell" repeal law of 2010 was Frank Kameny (pictured shaking President Obama's hand), the 85-year old activist who was instrumental in building the modern LGBT rights movement. Kameny's work won't be complete until LGBT Americans win basic federal civil rights, including an employment nondiscrimination law, writes David Carter for CNN.

The sexiest Senator faces a backlash over "don't ask, don't tell" repeal vote

Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., (pictured above in a nude Cosmopolitan spread he posed for as a sexy young 22-year old in 1982) could face a primary challenge in his bid to retain his seat, conservative activists say. Some social conservatives and tea party groups are upset with Brown's votes on issues such as the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell."

Behind the Scenes Video: Signing Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell

See what it was like on and behind the scenes of the recent signing of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal of 2010.

Colorado's John Kelly feels vindicated by Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal

Colorado's own John Kelly was recently interviewed by Ch. 4 feels like "honor has been restored" to himself and other gay servicemembers with the recent repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

After DADT: Partners of gay service members won't get benefits?

Same-sex partners of service members will be treated like unmarried spouses and not receive benefits, according to this NPR segment covering frequently asked questions about the policy change. 

There will be no separate housing or other facilities for gay and straight military, and chaplains are being told they must accord the same counsel to service members, regardless of their sexual orientation.

President Obama Signs Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

President Barack Obama signs the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 during a ceremony at the Interior Department in Washington, D.C., Dec. 22, 2010

Obama/Don't Ask, Don't Tell - The exclusive Advocate interview

A repeal of the “don’t ask don’t tell” law has been signed. President Obama tells The Advocate’s Kerry Eleveld that the Pentagon is "prepared to implement" repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and it will take months not years. He also says he's “wrestling” with the issue of marriage equality.

The wide-ranging interview took place late Tuesday afternoon and was the first one-on-one interview of his presidency with an LGBT news outlet.

Read Eleveld’s complete interview here:

www.advocate.com/News/News_Features/Exclusive_Interview_President_Barack_Obama_DADT/

Sgt. Eric Alva among participants of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act signing

Today the President and the Vice President delivered remarks and the President signed into law the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 in a ceremony at the Department of the Interior. The audience was made up of approximately 500 attendees, including Administration officials, Members of Congress and key advocates and stakeholders.

Among the participants of the signing was Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva who was the first American wounded in the war in Iraq. On March 21, 2003, he was traveling in Iraq in a convoy to Basra with his battalion when he stepped on a landmine, breaking his right arm and damaging his leg so badly that it needed to be amputated. Alva was awarded a Purple Heart and received a medical discharge from the military. Alva has been working with the Human Rights Campaign to speak out against the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy banning lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans from serving in the armed forces.

Alva was a special guest at this year's HRC MileHighGala where I took this photo of him (on the right) with local businessman Adam Thodey.

Remarks by the President and Vice President at Signing of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010

Read the full transcript of President Obama's remarks today during the signing of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010: 
 
9:10 A.M. EST





THE VICE PRESIDENT: Hey, folks, how are you? (Applause.) It’s a good day. (Applause.) It’s a real good day. As some of my colleagues can tell you, this is a long time in coming. But I am happy it’s here.



Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Please be seated.



It was a great five-star general and President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who once said, “Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness and consideration, and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace.”

By repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" today, we take a big step toward fostering justice, fairness and consideration, and that real cooperation President Eisenhower spoke of.



This fulfills an important campaign promise the President and I made, and many here on this stage made, and many of you have fought for, for a long time, in repealing a policy that actually weakens our national security, diminished our ability to have military readiness, and violates the fundamental American principle of fairness and equality -- that exact same set of principles that brave gay men and women will now be able to openly defend around the world. (Applause.)



It is both morally and militarily simply the right thing to do. And it’s particularly important that this result was fully supported by those within the military who are charged with implementing it. And I want to pay particular respect, just as a personal note -- as we used to say, I used to be allowed to say in the Senate, a point of personal privilege -- Admiral Mullen, you're a stand-up guy. (Applause.) I think they like you. (Applause.)



He already has enough power. Don't -- (laughter.)



And it couldn't have been done without these men and women leading our military. And certainly it could not have been done without the steady, dedicated and persistent leadership of the President of the United States. (Applause.)



Mr. President, by signing this bill, you will be linking military might with an abiding sense of justice. You’ll be projecting power by promoting fairness, and making the United States military as strong as they can be at a time we need it to be the strongest.



Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States of America, the Commander-in-Chief, Barack Obama. (Applause.)



AUDIENCE: Yes, we did! Yes, we did! Yes, we did!



THE PRESIDENT: Thank you! Yes, we did.



AUDIENCE MEMBER: Thank you, Mr. President!



THE PRESIDENT: You are welcome. (Applause.)



This is a good day.



AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yes, it is!



AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.) (Laughter.)



AUDIENCE MEMBER: You rock, President Obama!



THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Laughter.)



You know, I am just overwhelmed. This is a very good day. (Applause.) And I want to thank all of you, especially the people on this stage, but each and every one of you who have been working so hard on this, members of my staff who worked so hard on this. I couldn’t be prouder.



Sixty-six years ago, in the dense, snow-covered forests of Western Europe, Allied Forces were beating back a massive assault in what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge. And in the final days of fighting, a regiment in the 80th Division of Patton’s Third Army came under fire. The men were traveling along a narrow trail. They were exposed and they were vulnerable. Hundreds of soldiers were cut down by the enemy.



And during the firefight, a private named Lloyd Corwin tumbled 40 feet down the deep side of a ravine. And dazed and trapped, he was as good as dead. But one soldier, a friend, turned back. And with shells landing around him, amid smoke and chaos and the screams of wounded men, this soldier, this friend, scaled down the icy slope, risking his own life to bring Private Corwin to safer ground.



For the rest of his years, Lloyd credited this soldier, this friend, named Andy Lee, with saving his life, knowing he would never have made it out alone. It was a full four decades after the war, when the two friends reunited in their golden years, that Lloyd learned that the man who saved his life, his friend Andy, was gay. He had no idea. And he didn’t much care. Lloyd knew what mattered. He knew what had kept him alive; what made it possible for him to come home and start a family and live the rest of his life. It was his friend.



And Lloyd’s son is with us today. And he knew that valor and sacrifice are no more limited by sexual orientation than they are by race or by gender or by religion or by creed; that what made it possible for him to survive the battlefields of Europe is the reason that we are here today. (Applause.) That's the reason we are here today. (Applause.)



So this morning, I am proud to sign a law that will bring an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” (Applause.) It is a law -- this law I’m about to sign will strengthen our national security and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk their lives to defend.



No longer will our country be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans who were forced to leave the military -– regardless of their skills, no matter their bravery or their zeal, no matter their years of exemplary performance -– because they happen to be gay. No longer will tens of thousands of Americans in uniform be asked to live a lie, or look over their shoulder, in order to serve the country that they love. (Applause.)



As Admiral Mike Mullen has said, “Our people sacrifice a lot for their country, including their lives. None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well.” (Applause.)



That’s why I believe this is the right thing to do for our military. That’s why I believe it is the right thing to do, period.



Now, many fought long and hard to reach this day. I want to thank the Democrats and Republicans who put conviction ahead of politics to get this done together. (Applause. I want to recognize Nancy Pelosi -- (applause) -- Steny Hoyer -- (applause) -- and Harry Reid. (Applause.)



Today we’re marking an historic milestone, but also the culmination of two of the most productive years in the history of Congress, in no small part because of their leadership. And so we are very grateful to them. (Applause.)



I want to thank Joe Lieberman -- (applause) -- and Susan Collins. (Applause.) And I think Carl Levin is still working -- (laughter) -- but I want to add Carl Levin. (Applause.) They held their shoulders to the wheel in the Senate. I am so proud of Susan Davis, who’s on the stage. (Applause.) And a guy you might know -- Barney Frank. (Applause.) They kept up the fight in the House. And I’ve got to acknowledge Patrick Murphy, a veteran himself, who helped lead the way in Congress. (Applause.)



I also want to commend our military leadership. Ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was a topic in my first meeting with Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, and the Joint Chiefs. (Applause.) We talked about how to end this policy. We talked about how success in both passing and implementing this change depended on working closely with the Pentagon. And that’s what we did.



And two years later, I’m confident that history will remember well the courage and the vision of Secretary Gates -- (applause) -- of Admiral Mike Mullen, who spoke from the heart and said what he believed was right -- (applause) -- of General James Cartwright, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; and Deputy Secretary William Lynn, who is here. (Applause.) Also, the authors of the Pentagon’s review, Jeh Johnson and General Carter Ham, who did outstanding and meticulous work -- (applause) -- and all those who laid the groundwork for this transition.



And finally, I want to express my gratitude to the men and women in this room who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Services. (Applause.) I want to thank all the patriots who are here today, all of them who were forced to hang up their uniforms as a result of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” -- but who never stopped fighting for this country, and who rallied and who marched and fought for change. I want to thank everyone here who stood with them in that fight.



Because of these efforts, in the coming days we will begin the process laid out by this law. Now, the old policy remains in effect until Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen and I certify the military’s readiness to implement the repeal. And it’s especially important for service members to remember that. But I have spoken to every one of the service chiefs and they are all committed to implementing this change swiftly and efficiently. We are not going to be dragging our feet to get this done. (Applause.)



Now, with any change, there’s some apprehension. That’s natural. But as Commander-in-Chief, I am certain that we can effect this transition in a way that only strengthens our military readiness; that people will look back on this moment and wonder why it was ever a source of controversy in the first place.



I have every confidence in the professionalism and patriotism of our service members. Just as they have adapted and grown stronger with each of the other changes, I know they will do so again. I know that Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, as well as the vast majority of service members themselves, share this view. And they share it based on their own experiences, including the experience of serving with dedicated, duty-bound service members who were also gay.



As one special operations warfighter said during the Pentagon’s review -- this was one of my favorites -- it echoes the experience of Lloyd Corwin decades earlier: “We have a gay guy in the unit. He’s big, he’s mean, he kills lots of bad guys.” (Laughter.) “No one cared that he was gay.” (Laughter.) And I think that sums up perfectly the situation. (Applause.)



Finally, I want to speak directly to the gay men and women currently serving in our military. For a long time your service has demanded a particular kind of sacrifice. You’ve been asked to carry the added burden of secrecy and isolation. And all the while, you’ve put your lives on the line for the freedoms and privileges of citizenship that are not fully granted to you.



You’re not the first to have carried this burden, for while today marks the end of a particular struggle that has lasted almost two decades, this is a moment more than two centuries in the making.



There will never be a full accounting of the heroism demonstrated by gay Americans in service to this country; their service has been obscured in history. It’s been lost to prejudices that have waned in our own lifetimes. But at every turn, every crossroads in our past, we know gay Americans fought just as hard, gave just as much to protect this nation and the ideals for which it stands.



There can be little doubt there were gay soldiers who fought for American independence, who consecrated the ground at Gettysburg, who manned the trenches along the Western Front, who stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima. Their names are etched into the walls of our memorials. Their headstones dot the grounds at Arlington.



And so, as the first generation to serve openly in our Armed Forces, you will stand for all those who came before you, and you will serve as role models to all who come after. And I know that you will fulfill this responsibility with integrity and honor, just as you have every other mission with which you’ve been charged.



And you need to look no further than the servicemen and women in this room -- distinguished officers like former Navy Commander Zoe Dunning. (Applause.) Marines like Eric Alva, one of the first Americans to be injured in Iraq. (Applause.) Leaders like Captain Jonathan Hopkins, who led a platoon into northern Iraq during the initial invasion, quelling an ethnic riot, earning a Bronze Star with valor. (Applause.) He was discharged, only to receive emails and letters from his soldiers saying they had known he was gay all along -- (laughter) -- and thought that he was the best commander they ever had. (Applause.)



There are a lot of stories like these -- stories that only underscore the importance of enlisting the service of all who are willing to fight for this country. That’s why I hope those soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have been discharged under this discriminatory policy will seek to reenlist once the repeal is implemented. (Applause.)



That is why I say to all Americans, gay or straight, who want nothing more than to defend this country in uniform: Your country needs you, your country wants you, and we will be honored to welcome you into the ranks of the finest military the world has ever known. (Applause.)



Some of you remembered I visited Afghanistan just a few weeks ago. And while I was walking along the rope line -- it was a big crowd, about 3,000 -- a young woman in uniform was shaking my hand and other people were grabbing and taking pictures. And she pulled me into a hug and she whispered in my ear, “Get ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ done.” (Laughter and applause.) And I said to her, “I promise you I will.” (Applause.)



For we are not a nation that says, “don’t ask, don’t tell.” We are a nation that says, “Out of many, we are one.” (Applause.) We are a nation that welcomes the service of every patriot. We are a nation that believes that all men and women are created equal. (Applause.) Those are the ideals that generations have fought for. Those are the ideals that we uphold today. And now, it is my honor to sign this bill into law. (Applause.)



AUDIENCE MEMBER: Thank you, Mr. President!



THE PRESIDENT: Thank you!



AUDIENCE MEMBER: We're here, Mr. President. Enlist us now. (Laughter.)



(The bill is signed.)



THE PRESIDENT: This is done. (Applause.)



END 9:35 A.M. 


HRC Statement on President Signing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal into Law

Today President Obama signed legislation that will result in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).  Following the signing ceremony, HRC President Joe Solmonese made the following statement:

“Today gay and lesbian patriots serving their country in silence, and thousands more who wish to serve the country they love, can breathe a sigh of relief that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is on its way out. Soon, all service members will be able to serve with the full honesty and integrity the uniform demands.  No more careers will come to an end because of an unjust law.  ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ has weakened our military readiness and is now on its way to the dustbin of history.”

“After 17 years of this failed and discriminatory law, a stain has been removed from our nation.  This historic day would not be possible without the leadership of President Obama, Defense Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen.  In the U.S. House of Representatives, we are grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Rep. Patrick Murphy for their dogged determination. And in the U.S. Senate, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins, Kirsten Gillibrand and Mark Udall will go down in history as champions of this national security measure. Through their leadership, they have made our nation more secure and restored honesty and integrity as core values of our military.”

“It’s now incumbent on the president and the Pentagon to act expeditiously so that the final nail can be put in the coffin of this unjust and discriminatory law.”

The final end to the discriminatory ban will happen only after a certification process followed by another 60 day period.  The Human Rights Campaign continues to warn service members that even after the President signs the bill, they are at risk for discharge as the repeal of DADT is not effective immediately.

President Obama to Sign Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 into Law

The White House has just released the statement that on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, President Obama will sign the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 into law in a signing ceremony at the Department of the Interior.  

Whoo-hoo!