CLYBURN STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF ‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’ REPEAL

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement after the House passed legislation to repeal the discriminatory policy ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’

“Today is a proud day. I have been associated with this issue for 36 years, 18 as an administrator in state government, supervising the investigations of cases of discrimination. It impacts me in an emotional way, because I can remember how difficult it was to investigate cases of mistreatment when we had to separate out race, sex and gender. When I had an opportunity to help make this change in law a reality as Majority Whip, I saw it as a labor of love.

“I am proud that we got to this point once again, to repeal this discriminatory policy that has weakened our military by either discharging gay and lesbian soldiers who have defended our country heroically or forcing thousands of soldiers to lie about who they are. I believe the military can implement a change in the policy without disrupting readiness, effectiveness or unit cohesion. I hope the Senate will act quickly and end this injustice.”