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Akaka co-sponsors ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ bill

MEDIA RELEASE

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), a member of the Armed Services Committee, has announced he is co-sponsoring a stand-alone bill to repeal the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy banning gay men and women from serving openly in the military.

“The comprehensive Pentagon study shows a large majority of our troops are prepared to serve with openly gay service members,” Akaka said. “Our Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff support the change. Proud American men and women willing to die for our country should be allowed to serve openly.

“Repealing this policy in Congress will result in a more orderly implementation than if it is overturned by the courts. I urge my colleagues to support this sensible repeal. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will work to ensure this change strengthens our military’s readiness.”

The stand-alone bill was introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman (D-Connecticut), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mark Udall (D-Colorado), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) after 40 members of the Senate used a procedural move to block passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, which contains an identical provision supported by Akaka to repeal the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy.

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