Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement today in response to the Senate invoking cloture on the repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” following passage of the legislation in the House of Representative:
I am thrilled that we are on the verge of repealing the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy. As I have asserted from the start of this debate, repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will not have an impact, let alone a negative impact, on the religious and individual freedoms of the men and women in our armed forces or the chaplains who serve them. I am pleased that Members of Congress have shown a surprisingly strong interest in religious freedom and individual rights for all people. Thankfully, our representatives recognized these liberties will not be adversely affected by the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and refused to allow a small, but vocal, minority’s deceptive arguments to the contrary to sway their vote on this critical issue.
I look forward to seeing President Obama sign this legislation and to the military finally taking steps to allow all Americans to serve their country openly and with integrity regarding their identity. Repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is a step forward in equality and justice for all Americans.
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.