Today, President Obama is signing into effect the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” (DADT) a 17-year old law prohibiting gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the military. NBJC Executive Director Sharon Lettman-Hicks and Director of Public Engagement Jasper Hendricks, III will be present to witness the signing.

In response to this historic moment, Lettman-Hicks stated:

“By repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ President Obama, along with the American people, has added a new chapter for civil rights in this country by officially putting an end to legalized anti-gay discrimination within the military. With the stroke of a pen, the President is strengthening our military by opening its doors to the untold thousands of gay and lesbian citizens, who previously have chosen not to serve out of concern that they would be dishonorably discharged. In these tough economic times, repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ creates job security for thousands of service members who have lived in fear that they might be expelled for characteristics that are outside of their control and that have no effect on their ability to perform their duties.”

Lettman-Hicks adds:
“Today’s repeal is proof that America, like many other countries, has moved towards a more inclusive and affirming society. Thanks to President Obama and to our U.S. House and Senate leadership for keeping the repeal effort alive and for pulling the military’s ideals and integrity into alignment with its practices. In the darkest hours, when it seemed like the most shockingly obvious inequities were going to be upheld against our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, our nation's leaders remained determined to deliver on the President’s promise to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ As we head into the holidays, please remember all of those gay and lesbian servicemembers who are overseas fighting for their lives and ours, and who may not be able to take calls or letters from their respective loved ones this holiday while the timeline for the repeal is being developed. Remember them in your prayers and encourage them to remain strong while the discriminatory practices they have experienced are being dismantled.”

NBJC will be Tweeting live from the Presidential signing at http://www.twitter.com/NBJConTheMove under the hashtags #DADT and #NBJCONTHEMOVE.

###

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. NBJC's mission is to end racism and homophobia.