Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) Announces Support for 'Don't Ask, Don't

[Omaha Steve]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=72503

Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) Announces Support for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

9/15/2006 9:54:00 AM

To: National Desk

Contact: Steve Ralls of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, 202-328-3244 ext. 116 or [e-mail]

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Congressional support for repealing the federal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members continues to grow. This week, U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) announced their support for the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1059), a bill to repeal the law and allow gays to serve openly in the armed forces. A bi-partisan coalition of 121 Members of Congress now supports the bill, introduced in March 2005 by Rep. Marty Meehan (D-Mass.) and 56 other Members of Congress.

"Congress is increasingly aware of the detrimental impact the military's ban has on both our national security and our civil liberties," said former Army Captain Sharon Alexander, deputy director of policy for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). "Congressman Conyers and Congressman Pascrell understand that our military is stronger when we place qualification ahead of discrimination. There is nothing more patriotic than equal opportunity, and that is what we are fighting for on behalf of our lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. These brave men and women fight to protect our freedom and their freedom should be protected, too."

Since 1993, more than 11,000 military personnel have been dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," including more than 800 with skills deemed "mission-critical" by the Department of Defense. At the same time, recent news reports have indicated military leaders are issuing waivers to attract new recruits to the forces, including waivers for recruits with criminal backgrounds and those who do not meet education, physical fitness and other standards.

FULL story at link above.

[xchrom]

1. smart man.

[Parche]

2. dont ask

The perfect way to get out of Iraq, "Hi I am Seargent Smith and I am .....Gay"

[Alacrat]

3. I hope this passes

People willing to join the military for our protection, shouldn't have to worry about their sexual orientation being an issue. I just hope the other soldiers on the front line are ready for this. We have been hearing these stories about gang members, and neo nazi types fighting in Iraq. It would be tragic, if someone were hurt or killed, by our own troops, because of their ignorance.

[msongs]

4. but they might molest the christian soldiers! wink wink nt

[iamjoy]

5. The Biggest Threat To America

is homosexuals. No way they shold allow gays in the military. Don't Ask/Don't Tell should be scrapped - all recruits should have to take a lie detector test as to their sexuality. Homosexuals weaken our military and our nation. It's a bigger threat than Islamo-Facists.

:sarcasm: