Lambda Legal Says DADT Compromise Shows Promise But Job Isn't Finished

(New York, May 25, 2010) — In response to the recent compromise to repeal the military's policy on gay service members known as "Don't Ask Don't Tell," Lambda Legal released the following statement by Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director:

"Getting this discriminatory law off the books will be an important development that puts the policy back in the hands of military leaders who should act immediately to end it. The compromise shows good promise, but until the military stops discharging service members because of their sexual orientation the job is not finished.

"The votes must be gathered and our community and elected officials must step up for the final push. The military is our nation's largest employer--government sanctioned employment discrimination must end.

"The Obama Administration and Pentagon officials have made commitments to ending this discriminatory policy but have said that Congress must first repeal it--we expect them to keep their word.

"Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has worked tirelessly to see this day and I have no doubt that they will not give up until openly gay soldiers can serve our country with pride and without fear of discharge. Lambda Legal brought the first lawsuit against discrimination in the military in 1975. This has been a long struggle--we won't give up either."

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