News
2007-05-16
Carter calls for
end to "don't ask, don't tell"
Carter: Time to
revisit "don't ask, don't tell"
In a statement to
Servicemembers Legal Defense Netwo
Former president
Jimmy Carter has called on Congress to revisit the
Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays and
lesbians in the military. In an exclusive statement to
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an advocacy
group for gay and lesbian service personnel, Carter
said, "It is my long-held belief that every human
being deserves dignity and respect. I often heard that
phrase during my years at the United States Naval
Academy, I carried it out as commander-in-chief, and
it continues to animate my human rights work around
the globe today. The nation's commitment to human rights
requires that lawmakers revisit 'don't ask, don't
tell,' the current policy that prevents lesbians,
gays, and bisexuals from serving openly in our armed
forces."
"As someone who
has served our country as a naval officer,
commander-in-chief, and one of the world's pre-eminent human
rights champions, there are few people more qualified
to speak about this issue than President Carter," said
Sharra E. Greer, director of law and policy for SLDN,
in a press release. "There is a growing understanding
that 'don't ask, don't tell' isn't just bad public policy
but is also a blight on our country's commitment to human
rights and equal opportunity. SLDN welcomes President
Carter, the first Nobel laureate, to call for an end
to this unconscionable discrimination within our own
government, to the coalition of those working to lift the
ban."
In his statement
to SLDN, Carter said, "'Don't ask, don't tell' is the
only law in America today that regulates a group of
citizens, then prohibits them from identifying
themselves and speaking up on their own behalf. Gay
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are unable to tell
their member of Congress or their commander that the policy
is an abject failure, and they are living proof
because they will face discharge. Those who defend our
liberties and freedoms deserve better.... There are
great differences in public opinion on social issues today
compared to 20 years ago. When I served as president,
the majority in our country did not support equality
for gay Americans, but that has now changed."
"The estimated
65,000 gay men and women who currently are serving our
country honorably deserve respect," Carter added. "America
has always been a beacon of hope for those who believe
in human rights and individual dignity. The brave and
dedicated men and women of our armed forces also must
benefit from this fundamental ideal."
President
Carter's complete statement to SLDN is available online at
www.sldn.org. (The
Advocate)
Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter.
Page 1 of 1