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Urge the U.S. Senate to Support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010
  1. Signatures
    196 out of 200
    Petitioning
    1. The U.S. Senate
  2. Created By
    Michael Jones
    Boston, MA
About this Petition Petition Letter

Senator Joseph Lieberman has introduced the U.S. Senate's first bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the law that bans gays and lesbians from serving in the U.S. military, and fires troops who are outed as gay or lesbian. Military leaders have roundly criticized "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," urging Congress to repeal the law and allow openly gay and lesbian troops the right to serve their country.

Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- the highest ranking military position in the country below the President -- has said that in his personal belief, he feels that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" compromises the military's integrity. Other military leaders, including retired Gen. Colin Powell, have said that the times have changed and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has got to go. And polls show overwhelming public support for eliminating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

It's time the U.S. Senate follow the lead set by Adm. Mullen, Gen. Powell, and the American public. By passing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, the U.S. Senate will send the message that gays and lesbians are valuable members of the military. They will also send the message that our military should be based on the principle of integrity, and that forcing members to lie about their sexual orientation compromises that integrity.

Urge your U.S. Senators to pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010. Let this bill be not only the first, but also the last bill introduced in the U.S. Senate calling for a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Recent Signatures

Support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010

Greetings,

Senator Joseph Lieberman has introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, which would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the U.S. law that bans openly gay and lesbian soldiers from serving in the Armed Services. This is the first time ever that legislation has been introduced in the U.S. senate to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I urge you to also make it the last time legislation is introduced to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by acting quickly to pass it.

Polls show that between 60-75 percent of the country supports ending the ban on openly gay and lesbian troops. Moreover, senior leaders in the U.S. military -- from Adm. Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Gen. Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State -- have called for an end to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

It's time for a strong legislative push to repeal this law. Times have changed since 1993, when the law was originally passed. Study after study has shown that integrating the military to allow openly gay and lesbian troops will have no impact whatsoever on unit cohesion or military efficacy. Given that, and given the loud calls for a repeal, it's time to move forward with ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 will do just that. I urge you to support it.

Thank you.

[Your name]

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