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Written by Lisa Neff, Staff writer
Sep 8, 2010
LGBT civil rights activists are readying for a U.S. Senate vote as early as this month on the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the policy prohibiting gays from serving openly in the Armed Forces.
The Senate will reconvene Sept. 13 after an August recess.
Days later, on Sept. 16, Servicemembers United, a national group for LGBT veterans, plans to hold a DADT Repeal lobby day. SU has billed the effort as “the final assault” on DADT.
Meanwhile, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a national LGBT watchdog and legal services group, is urging citizens to meet with senators at home, before the return to Washington, and urge them to vote to repeal DADT as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
A House vote has already been made for repeal.
“As we approach expected key votes on repeal in only a matter of weeks in the Senate, we need repeal supporters in all 50 states to contact their senators and tell them to end ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” said SLDN executive director Aubrey Sarvis. “Your senators need to hear that you expect them to beat back the filibuster threat, stop attempts to strike repeal, and defeat any crippling amendments.”
SLDN, in partnership with the national Human Rights Campaign, has waged a grassroots campaign this summer against DADT, mobilizing activists in key states – Arkansas, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota and Virginia.
Former Navy Petty Officer Jed Batchelder recently took up SLDN’s call and met with staff for U.S. Sens. Byron Dorgan, D-S.D., and Kent Conrad, D-N.D.
“I shared my story as a veteran who served as a petty officer second-class in the U.S. Navy until being discharged under DADT,” Batchelder said.
He said he hoped his story “made a positive impact upon both senators” and that others will positively influence their senators.
“Whether your senators are Democrat or Republican, they were elected to serve their constituents and do what’s right,” said Batchelder. “Senators must be reminded that DADT repeal is a priority and should be at the top of the legislative calendar when they return.”
