Date: Sat, 1 Apr 1995 17:35:42 -0500 From: Karlclark@aol.com Subject: Fwd: AmFedVets Press Release Forwarded message: Subj: AmFedVets Press Release Date: 95-04-01 13:23:45 EST From: Rpuliatti American Fenderation of Veterans Veterans Memorial Hall Suite 811 346 Broadway New York, NY 10013 PRESS RELEASE POC: RENE PULIATTI (201) 963-4049 email: rpuliatti@aol.com GAY VETERANS FEDERATION HAILS COURT DECISION New York -- March 31, 1995 -- The American Federation of Veterans (AmFedVets), a nationwide veterans organization which advocates for veteran rights and for the end of the military ban against gays, heartily endorses the decision yesterday of U.S. District Judge Eugene Nickerson. "This decision is a significant first step forward in ending discrimination against gays in the military," stated German Lopez, the President of AmFedVets. "While this federal decision only affects the six service members in the case, it will stand as precedence in future cases, and will likely eventually lead to the Supreme Court." Judge Nickerson harshly criticized the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy as unconstitutional and discriminatory, because it denies gay service members their constitutional right to free speech and targets them for discriminatory treatment because of their status, not their conduct. "Judge Nickerson was right to not show blind deference to the military on a policy that denies a group their fundamental rights. Deference -- to the military or the Congress -- has been used for far too long as an excuse against the judiciary's responsibility to protect individual's constitutional rights," stated German Lopez. "Judge Nickerson was also right on the money when he rejected the government's argument that the very presence of gays justified its discriminatory policy. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' actually hurts the military by discharging thousands of competent, qualified, and loyal Americans each year, and it undermines the military code of honor by encouraging service members to lie. One day, soon, we will be able to serve in our military, honorably and openly. We are now one step closer to that day." The American Federation of Veterans calls on the President, the Congress, and the Pentagon to end its misguided policy of discriminating against gays. "Gays have always served in the U.S. military with honor and distinction, and our presence has generally been known among our fellow troops without the 'disruption' so often overplayed by politicians and a few insecure men," stated Ren Puliatti, a member of AmFedVets. "If these insecure men cannot handle the truth, and deal with the reality of competent, qualified, professional gay men and lesbians working and living beside them, then perhaps THEY are unsuited for military service and should be discharged." The American Federation of Veterans extends its hearty congratulations to the plaintiffs of the case, and thanks them for their courage in confronting this discrimination. AmFedVets also extends its sincere appreciation to the legal teams of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the law firm of Sullivan and Cromwell for their tireless work on behalf of the service members. AmFedVets intends to work more closely with these groups in the future on behalf of gay, lesbian and bisexual veterans. # # # # # # END # # # # # ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DELETE THIS LINE AND BELOW WHEN QUOTING A PREVIOUS MESSAGE. Otherwise, your message will not be forwarded to the list. To be added to or removed from the list, send mail to dont-tell-request@choice.princeton.edu To send mail to the list, send mail to dont-tell@choice.princeton.edu