By Laurie Young, Ph.D., Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
This week, the legislative repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell' became a reality. After 17 years of a misguided, arcane and costly policy that made lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers serve in silence and fear, we have finally closed this chapter of our nation’s history.
While we celebrate winning repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," we also acknowledge the loss that occurred that same weekend – the Senate’s failure to pass the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM). By denying a chance to vote on the DREAM Act, the senate continues to bring fear and shame to undocumented young people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. They have been denied a pathway to citizenship through college or military service. It is a core belief of our country that everyone should get a fair shake and be able to fully participate in civic life. Everyone here must be able to build a future in the country they love and call home. The Task Force remains committed to comprehensive immigration reform, so we’re not done – not by a long shot.
Through all of this and more we will continue to work to create a more just society for all people. We’re thrilled to be standing at this historic moment for our armed forces and our nation. We remain determined to, someday, stand in a nation that honors all of its citizens with full equality.