Bennet: Time for Senate to Stand on Right Side of History, Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Without Delay

Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, released the following statement this morning urging Senate approval of a bill he has co-sponsored to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’:  

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell denies Americans one of their most basic civil rights.  Discharging a valuable, well-performing service member on the basis of sexual orientation is not only wrong; it undermines our national security and flies in the face of our national values.

“We don’t tolerate this kind of discrimination in the private sector, and should not do so in our Armed Forces either.  Our military leaders say we should move forward with repeal, and the American people agree.  Yet now, once again, the Senate is slow to answer the call.  It’s time for the Senate to get out of the way, just as it eventually – and rightly – did during the Civil Rights Era. 

“I urge my colleagues who are on the fence to gaze around the corner – where our nation is headed – towards tolerance and inclusion.   It’s time to stop denying brave and patriotic Americans the opportunity to serve their country and repeal this backward-looking policy without delay.”

Sen. Michael Bennet releases stament on blocked defense bill, Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after a minority of senators blocked the National Defense Authorization Act, which would have provided pay raises for service members, body armor to keep them safe and repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the policy banning gays from serving openly in the military: 

“Washington’s political games are preventing us from moving forward on a critical bill that supports our troops and keeps our country safe.  It makes no sense to me, or to the people of Colorado, that partisanship stands in the way of a pay raise for our troops or the provision of the resources they need to carry out their missions.  Our military men and women deserve better than a politics that holds their pay and their support hostage for political gain.

“I’m also disappointed a minority of senators blocked us from moving forward on the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Military leaders and a solid majority of the American people agree that it’s time to relegate this outdated and short-sighted policy to the dustbin of history.  It’s time to stop denying brave and patriotic Americans the opportunity to serve their country, and it’s time to put aside

Colorado's Sen. Bennet signs on to sponsor ENDA 2009

Colorado Stonewall Democrats and The Bilerico Project report that the office of Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado has confirmed that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of S1584, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009.

Dr. Jillian T. Weiss says that, "Senator Bennet is the 40th co-sponsor. There are, however, nine more Senators who have privately confirmed their support for ENDA, and another nine beyond that whose prior track records indicating a likelihood of support in the future. 60 are needed to overcome the expected filibuster."

It is important for the LGBT community and all supporters of an inclusive ENDA to thank Senator Bennet for his support. You can call him at 202-224-5852 or email him here.