U.S. Army Sends Out DADT Repeal Memo — as Family Research Council Keeps Fighting
Today, members of the U.S. Army began receiving a memorandum signed by Army Sergeant Major Raymond F. Chandler III, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and Army Secretary John M. McHugh that announces the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
The letter, dated Sept. 20, was obtained by Metro Weekly and begins, “Today marks the end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ The law is repealed. From this day forward, gay and lesbian Soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Stating that “we are ready for this change,” the Army leaders lay out the path that the repeal process took after the passage of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act in December 2010 and the standards expected of all servicemembers in a post-DADT military.
Yet, still, Family Research Council president Tony Perkins said today in a statement, “The American military exists for only one purpose — to fight and win wars. Yet, tomorrow, the U.S. military becomes a tool in reshaping social attitudes regarding human sexuality. Using the military to advance a liberal social agenda will only do harm to the military’s ability to fulfill its mission.”
The letter from the Army trio, however, ends, “It is the duty of all personnel to treat each other with dignity and respect, while maintaining good order and discipline throughout our ranks. Doing so, will help the U.S. Army remain the Strength of the Nation.”
Read the Army letter: Army – repeal letter.PDF
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
