Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) released the following statement upon notification that the President has certified that the requirements for repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” have been met and that the policy will end on September 20, 2011.  Senator Cardin was an original cosponsor of the legislation to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

“In just 60 days, brave men and women who are gay or lesbian finally will be able to serve or continue to serve in our military with honesty and integrity. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ran contrary to the core American belief of equality and I am pleased that we now can move beyond such open discrimination. Sexual orientation, race, religion or gender, should never be used to determine the contribution any man or woman makes to our military and that is now codified by law.  We all should be grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of all our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines – gay or straight – who defend our nation.”

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