July 8, 2011

Palm Center Statement On DoD Suspension Of DADT Discharges

LOS ANGELES – In response to today’s Army Times announcement that the Pentagon has suspended discharges under “don’t ask, don’t tell”, the following can be attributed to Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin:

“The Pentagon is lawfully and properly responding to a federal court’s ruling, and today’s news may bring some relief to gay and lesbian service members who continue to fear that they could be fired for who they are.  The last year has been an unnecessary and unhelpful roller coaster ride for the military and for gay troops and I do not believe that it is an overstatement to posit that with the exception of a tiny fringe, almost all Americans will welcome the permanent repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ when it comes.”