After 18 long years, we have put an end to the military’s discriminatory policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. To mark the day, Senator Chris Coons, an outspoken advocate and cosponsor of the Senate legislation that repealed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, released the following statement:
“Today is a momentous day, and I am proud to stand with the millions of Americans for whom the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell means the beginning of a new era of equality for our nation. Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell wasn’t just about our pursuit of equal rights, but the pursuit of equal responsibility. The nearly 14,000 service members discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell simply wanted to serve their country, but were deemed unfit to serve not because of what they did, but because of whom they loved. Thousands more were forced to serve in silence, proud of their uniform but made to feel ashamed of the person underneath. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was discrimination, plain and simple… but I’m proud to say it is no more.”
Photo displayed above is Chris at a Senate press conference in December showing his support for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal legislation, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 22, 2010.
To learn more about Chris’ work on civil rights click here.