Contact: Stacey Gates, sgates@nbjc.org
Office: 202-319-1552, ext. 25
This week, Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I) made history with the introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in the Senate. The legislation would repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that bans military service of openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans, and prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in the armed forces. The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee, Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), was one of 13 cosponsors of the bill.
“NBJC applauds the introduction of the Senate’s Military Readiness Enhancement Act by Sens. Lieberman and Levin. We’ve waited nearly two decades to replace this harmful policy with one that recognizes the value of all those wanting to serve in our nation's military, and we are confident that this is our moment,” said Sharon J. Lettman, Executive Director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition.
“This is acknowledgment of a national shift to a fuller commitment to our nation's defense and civil rights. With this bill, we are truly living up to our Constitutional mandate to provide for the ‘common defense’ and secure ‘the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity,’” said Lettman.
According to the 2000 Census, Black lesbians serve in the Army at more than 10 times the rate of most women. According to Essence.com, “Pentagon data shows that Black women are discharged through ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ at three times the rate that they serve in the military. And though they make up less than one percent of the Army, Black women make up 3.3% of those discharged under the policy.” This bill would make people who have been previously discharged on the basis of sexual orientation eligible to apply to rejoin the military.
Additionally, current regulations regarding the personal conduct of military members would remain unchanged as long as they are written and enforced in a sexual orientation neutral manner. The legislation does not create a right to benefits for same-sex partners or spouses, as it would violate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
“We know this is the first step in a long road ahead, but we’re hopeful that soon LGBT members of our Armed Forces will no longer be forced to conceal who they are,” said Lettman. “NBJC is urging our members and supporters to make their voices heard. Call your Senators to voice your support for the legislation and ask them to cosponsor Sen. Lieberman’s bill.”
The National Black Justice Coalition (www.NBJC.org) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Its mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia. NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly and honestly in family, faith and community, regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
