Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the following statement after the Pentagon officially ended the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy:
“Finally, the backwards-looking policy of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ has been relegated to the dustbin of history. This policy was not only wrong, but it undermined our national security and flew in the face of our national values.
“Colorado is home to more than 48,000 active duty, guard and reserve soldiers. As of today, our openly gay men and women will have the opportunity to serve their country honorably, and no longer are they forced to lie about who they are and whom they love in order to serve in the military. No longer will well-performing service members be discharged from military service based on sexual orientation.
“This is a proud day for our country. The repeal of this discriminatory policy will only serve to enhance our national security and strengthen our military.”
Bennet was an original cosponsor of the bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He is also a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). For more information, please click here.