Dixon Osburn Repeal Quotations

The American people could not be clearer about their opposition to the continued exclusion of lesbian and gay Americans from our armed forces. Support for repealing the military's ban has grown by fifteen percent in the South, eight percent among moderate Republicans and nine percent among Catholics. In virtually every community, constituents are sending a clear message to their elected leaders that the time has come to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Our nation supports treating everyone who sacrifices for our national defense, whether gay or straight, with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Today's Pew poll shows that Congressional legislation to repeal the military's ban enjoys unparalleled support. Congressional leaders should heed their constituents and lift the ban.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell' places an unnecessary burden on American taxpayers by asking them to fund a discriminatory law that hurts military readiness. The choice is clear: spend $364 million on firing patriotic Americans or spend the same amount on three dozen Blackhawk helicopters, 4,000 sidewinder missiles, or enough body armor vests to outfit the entire American fighting force in Iraq. Our priority should always be defense and national security. Congress should repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' immediately and fund real priorities in the war on terror.