Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Tells Cadets Military Ready to Accept Gay Service Members

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Tells Cadets Military Ready to Accept Gay Service
Members

Mullen Says "[Don't Ask, Don't Tell] is a law and we follow it. Should the
law change, the military will carry that out too."

WASHINGTON, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaking at West Point on Sunday,
Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told graduating
cadets that Congress, and not the military, is responsible for the "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell" law banning openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans from
military service. Admiral Mullen's answer came in response to a cadet's
question asking what would happen if the next administration were supportive
of legislation allowing gays to serve openly.

"Admiral Mullen is to be applauded for his willingness to take part in an open
national conversation about this issue, and for his open-minded approach to
working with Congress as they consider the future of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'"
said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense
Network (SLDN). "Admiral Mullen's remarks reflect an attitude shift among the
military establishment which has historically discouraged public debate on
allowing open lesbian and gay Americans to serve. As Admiral Mullen rightly
points out, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is a federal law. Ultimately repeal must
come from the people's representatives in Congress."

During his senate confirmation hearing last year, Mullen told lawmakers that,
"I really think it is for the American people to come forward, really through
this body, to both debate that policy and make changes, if that's
appropriate." He went on to say that, "I'd love to have Congress make its own
decisions" with respect to considering repeal.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246), a bill to lift the ban on
open service, is now supported by 142 bi-partisan lawmakers in the House of
Representatives. Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA), chair of the House Armed
Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel has announced her desire to hold a
hearing this year on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

"Poll after poll show that a majority of the American people, as well as
military personnel, believe 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is a counterproductive law
which should be repealed. With the support and encouragement of Admiral
Mullen, we hope the next Congress will act to repeal this inefficient and
discriminatory law," said Sarvis.

For more information on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and Congressional legislation
to repeal the law, visit www.sldn.org.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is a national, non-profit legal services,
watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against
and harassment of military personnel affected by 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and
related forms of intolerance. For more information, visit www.sldn.org.

SOURCE Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

Victor Maldonado of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, +1-202-328-3244,
ext. 123, vmaldonado@sldn.org