Yesterday, the Senate Armed Services Committee held hearings on the possibility of ending Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. During their testimony, military and civilian leaders of the military voiced their support for ending the policy.

“Yesterday’s hearing was tremendously heartening for anyone who cares about treating our service members with dignity and respect,” said People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan. “People who have served with honor to defend this country shouldn’t be forced to make a choice between telling the truth and continuing to serve their nation. I especially welcomed the remarks of Admiral Mullen, who spoke eloquently about the effects of this policy.”

During the hearing, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified “I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens.”

“I’m glad that the Senate is making progress towards ending this policy, but it’s more important than ever to keep the pressure on,” said Keegan. “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell makes all of us less safe. It does a great disservice to military personnel who have displayed tremendous patriotism and courage and then been told either to lie or to lose their job. The military, the Congress and the President all seem ready to repeal this law. The time to do it is now.”

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