Date: Wed, 23 Sep 98 18:51:14 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: Court Upholds "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" *********************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director 202-332-6483 ext. 3303 800-757-6476 pager tconaty@ngltf.org http://www.ngltf.org 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 *********************************************** COURT UPHOLDS DISCRIMINATORY POLICY "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" The Federal Court did a disservice to all Americans today. ­ Rebecca Isaacs, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force political director WASHINGTON, DC---September 23, 1998--- Today in Able v. USA, the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This is the fourth Circuit Court decision upholding this policy, which discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation. "The Federal Court did a disservice to all Americans," said Rebecca Isaacs, political director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "In deciding to uphold `Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' the Court turned its back on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender servicemembers." The plaintiffs in this case argued that the policy violated their rights to free speech, equal protection, expressive and intimate association, and that it violates their due process rights. The Court's ruling casts aside their individual interests and instead upholds discrimination. "Don't Ask; Don't Tell" was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 1993 after intense public scrutiny. It was allegedly supposed to stop the witchhunts, which had been standard fare under the Department of Defense policy. It stated that homosexuality was incompatible with military service. In reality, however, military discharges have increased dramatically since the implementation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to . You may also unsubscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.