The Senate Armed Services Committee today announced that it would hold hearings on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in the fall of this year. People For the American Way president Michael B. Keegan issued the following statement:

“I’m pleased that the Senate is moving forward on this issue. Our nation needs a strong national defense, and repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell would allow more qualified men and women to serve honestly and openly in our armed forces. Americans overwhelmingly support the repeal of DADT, and it’s long past time to stop mistreating our courageous military personnel. The exclusion of gay service members from our armed forces makes us less safe, and I hope that these hearings will be an important step towards repealing this legislation.

“Senators Levin and Gillibrand should be thanked for their leadership on this issue. People For the American Way has been pushing both Congress and the White House to do away with DADT, and I look forward to working with them to end this senseless, discriminatory policy.”

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