Washington, D.C. – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy released the following statement in response to the certification of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal by President Obama and top Pentagon officials including Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
I am elated that we are one giant step closer to the end of the military’s unfortunate ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy once and for all. As I have said from the beginning of the debate around repealing this policy, doing so will have no negative impact on the religious and individual freedoms of the men and women in our armed forces or the chaplains who serve them. Instead, it will simply mean that 60 days from today, all Americans will be able to serve their country openly and with integrity regarding their identity. This is a great day for equality and justice for all Americans.
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.