Gay vets appeal ruling upholding 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy

[racaulk]

Lawyers representing a group of 11 military veterans and a former Air Force cadet challenging the constitutionality of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will appeal a recent federal judge's decision in Massachusetts upholding the policy.

"The men and women in lawsuit are among the best and brightest America has to offer," SLDN executive director C. Dixon Osburn said in a statement May 15. "They have diligently fought for the right to serve our country and defend our ideals. All of us at SLDN are enormously proud of their determination and we work to honor them every day"

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The plaintiffs have served a total of more than 65 years in the armed forces. Two have served in direct support of operations in the Middle East. Among them, they have earned more than five-dozen awards, medals and commendations.

"Overturning 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will be a watershed moment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans just as racial integration of our armed forces was a pivotal moment in the civil rights fight for African Americans," Osburn said. "When our federal government stops discriminating, state governments, local governments, private corporations and the courts and 25 million veterans from every corner of America will follow suit. … Then, we will have won the battle."

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